what are chemical messengers that control growth differentiation and the metabolism of specific target cells called
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

1. What are the chemical messengers that control growth, differentiation, and metabolism of specific target cells called?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands in multicellular organisms. They travel through the bloodstream to specific target cells where they regulate various physiological processes, including growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Neurons (choice B) are nerve cells that transmit nerve impulses and are not responsible for controlling growth, differentiation, or metabolism. Glands (choice C) produce and release hormones but are not the chemical messengers themselves. Second messengers (choice D) are molecules involved in intracellular signal transduction, not the primary chemical messengers controlling growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Therefore, hormones (choice A) are the correct answer as they match the description provided in the question.

2. Which mineral supports the function of the thyroid?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Iodine is the mineral that supports the function of the thyroid. The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism and other important bodily functions. A deficiency in iodine can lead to thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or goiter. Manganese (Choice A), Phosphorus (Choice C), and Zinc (Choice D) do not play a direct role in supporting the thyroid function like iodine does. While these minerals are important for various bodily functions, they are not specifically required for the thyroid gland's hormone production.

3. Which muscle group is primarily responsible for extending the knee?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The quadriceps, a group of muscles located on the front of the thigh, are primarily responsible for extending the knee joint. When the quadriceps contract, they work to straighten the knee, allowing for actions like kicking or standing up from a seated position. The hamstrings (Choice A) are responsible for flexing the knee, the calves (Choice C) primarily work on plantar flexion at the ankle joint, and the glutes (Choice D) are mainly involved in hip extension.

4. Which organelle in the cell is responsible for packaging and distributing proteins?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Golgi apparatus is an organelle responsible for packaging and distributing proteins and lipids within the cell. It modifies, sorts, and packages these molecules into vesicles for transportation to their final destinations, either within the cell or outside of it. The Golgi apparatus plays a crucial role in the secretory pathway of cells, ensuring that proteins are properly processed and directed to where they are needed. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not packaging and distributing proteins. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis and folding but not primarily in packaging and distributing proteins. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration, not packaging and distributing proteins.

5. Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A herniated lumbar disc is most likely to cause pain along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Compression of the sciatic nerve by a herniated disc can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the leg. This condition is commonly referred to as sciatica. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a herniated lumbar disc typically affects the sciatic nerve, not the radial nerve, spinal cord, or tibial nerve.

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