Which gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?

Questions 43

HESI A2

HESI A2 Test Bank

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology 2023 Questions

Question 1 of 9

Which gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that regulate many bodily functions, making it a central and vital component of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland (Choice A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like adrenaline, and the pineal gland (Choice D) secretes melatonin, but none of these glands are considered the 'master gland' that controls the functions of other endocrine glands.

Question 2 of 9

What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To transport oxygen and nutrients.' The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells throughout the body and remove waste products. Choice B is incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily the function of the body's thermoregulatory system, including sweat glands and blood vessels near the skin surface. Choice C is incorrect because while the cardiovascular system does help remove waste products through circulation, it is not its primary function. Choice D is incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands, not the cardiovascular system.

Question 3 of 9

Which of the following is the largest organ in the human body?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It serves as a protective barrier against the environment, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information. The liver, brain, and heart are vital organs, but they are not as extensive as the skin. The liver is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolism. The brain is the control center of the body, coordinating various functions. The heart is a crucial organ that pumps blood throughout the body. However, in terms of size, the skin surpasses all of these organs.

Question 4 of 9

Which hormone is responsible for the regulation of calcium levels in the blood?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone, produced by the parathyroid glands, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It achieves this by increasing calcium absorption in the intestines and kidneys, thus maintaining appropriate calcium levels in the bloodstream. Insulin is involved in glucose metabolism, not calcium regulation. Cortisol is a stress hormone that affects various body functions but not calcium levels. Melatonin is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, not calcium levels.

Question 5 of 9

Which part of the brain is responsible for memory and learning?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temporal lobe. The temporal lobe of the brain plays a crucial role in processing auditory information, memory formation, and learning. It contains the hippocampus, a structure vital for the formation of new memories and the conversion of short-term memories into long-term ones. Damage to the temporal lobe can lead to memory impairments and difficulties in learning new information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the frontal lobe is primarily involved in decision making, problem-solving, and emotional control; the parietal lobe is responsible for sensory processing and spatial orientation; and the occipital lobe is mainly dedicated to visual processing and interpretation.

Question 6 of 9

Which part of the brain monitors and controls the body's movement?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the front portion of the parietal lobe. The motor cortex, located in this area, is responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements. It plays a crucial role in coordinating the body's movement. Choice A, the top, middle portion of the parietal lobe, is incorrect as this region is more involved in processing sensory information rather than controlling movement. Choice B, the back of the head, is incorrect as it typically refers to the occipital lobe responsible for processing visual information. Choice D, around the auditory cortex, is incorrect as the auditory cortex is primarily involved in processing auditory information, not controlling body movement.

Question 7 of 9

Which gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that regulate many bodily functions, making it a central and vital component of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland (Choice A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like adrenaline, and the pineal gland (Choice D) secretes melatonin, but none of these glands are considered the 'master gland' that controls the functions of other endocrine glands.

Question 8 of 9

Which muscle is involved in the flexion of the forearm?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The biceps brachii muscle is the primary muscle responsible for flexing the forearm at the elbow joint. When the biceps brachii contracts, it causes the forearm to move towards the upper arm, resulting in flexion at the elbow. In contrast, the triceps brachii is responsible for extending the forearm, the deltoid muscle is primarily involved in shoulder movements, and the brachialis muscle also aids in flexion of the forearm but to a lesser extent compared to the biceps brachii.

Question 9 of 9

What is the most visible part of the ear called?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pinna, also known as the auricle, is the most visible part of the ear. It is responsible for capturing sound waves and directing them into the ear canal, where the process of hearing begins. The other structures mentioned, such as the cochlea, ear canal, and organ of Corti, play crucial roles in the auditory system but are not the most visible parts of the ear. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped cavity responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals. The ear canal is a tube that connects the outer ear to the eardrum. The organ of Corti is the actual sensory organ of hearing located in the cochlea.

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