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 of the following is not part of the axial skeletal system?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the radius. The axial skeleton comprises bones located along the central axis of the body. It includes the skull, ribs, breastbone (sternum), vertebrae, and sacrum. The radius, on the other hand, is a bone of the forearm, part of the appendicular skeleton. The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the limbs and their girdles, not the central axial bones.

3. What is the primary function of the heart?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the heart is to pump oxygenated blood and nutrients throughout the body, supplying cells with vital substances. Choice A is incorrect as the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood. Choice C is incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by organs like the kidneys and liver. Choice D is incorrect as regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by mechanisms such as sweating and shivering, not the heart.

4. Which hormone is produced by the pineal gland?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Melatonin is the hormone produced by the pineal gland. It plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and is instrumental in maintaining the body's circadian rhythm. Melatonin production is triggered by darkness and inhibited by light, aiding in signaling the body when it is time to sleep. Corticosteroid, oxytocin, and prolactin are hormones produced by other glands in the body and are not associated with the pineal gland. Therefore, they are incorrect choices for this question.

5. Which gland is responsible for regulating metabolism and growth?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism and growth. It produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play essential roles in controlling metabolic processes, growth, and development throughout the body. Choice B, the Pituitary gland, although important for hormone regulation, is not primarily responsible for regulating metabolism and growth. Choices C and D, the Adrenal gland and Pineal gland, respectively, have different functions and are not primarily involved in regulating metabolism and growth.

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