What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To regulate body functions through hormones.' The endocrine system is responsible for producing and secreting hormones that help regulate various body functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. It does not primarily function to fight infection (A), transport oxygen (B), or break down food (D). While the immune system fights infection, the respiratory system transports oxygen, and the digestive system breaks down food, the main role of the endocrine system is to maintain homeostasis by coordinating and controlling bodily functions through the release of hormones.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response. During stressful situations, the adrenal glands release hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, initiating the fight-or-flight response. These hormones prepare the body to either confront or flee from a perceived threat.\nChoice A - Pancreas: The pancreas is primarily responsible for producing insulin and regulating blood sugar levels, not the fight-or-flight response.\nChoice C - Thyroid gland: The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, not directly involved in the fight-or-flight response.\nChoice D - Pituitary gland: The pituitary gland regulates various endocrine functions by releasing hormones, but it is not the primary gland responsible for the fight-or-flight response.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Insulin is the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels. It is produced by the pancreas and facilitates the entry of glucose into cells, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. Glucagon, adrenaline, and cortisol have roles in increasing blood sugar levels through various mechanisms. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose, adrenaline increases blood sugar in fight-or-flight responses, and cortisol raises blood sugar levels as part of the stress response. Therefore, in the context of lowering blood sugar levels, insulin is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs. It also produces bile for digestion. The liver contains enzymes that help metabolize drugs and toxins, making them easier for the body to eliminate. The kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering blood and regulating fluid balance, the heart's main function is to pump blood, and the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, but they do not have the primary function of detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To secrete digestive enzymes.' The pancreas plays a crucial role in the digestive system by secreting digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, facilitating the absorption of nutrients from the digested food. Choice A is incorrect because the pancreas is not responsible for storing bile; the gallbladder stores bile. Choice C is incorrect because the pancreas secretes enzymes for protein digestion but does not digest proteins itself. Choice D is incorrect as the absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, not in the pancreas.