what is the function of the pancreas in digestion
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. What is the function of the pancreas in digestion?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Secreting digestive enzymes. The pancreas aids in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that are essential for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the absorption of nutrients from food, facilitating the digestive process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The pancreas does not produce bile (choice B), store glucose (choice C), or primarily regulate blood sugar levels (choice D) in the context of digestion.

2. How is pepsin utilized by the body?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that is essential for breaking down proteins during digestion. It functions by breaking down large protein molecules into smaller peptides, which are further broken down into amino acids for absorption in the intestines. Therefore, option A, 'To break down proteins,' is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the specific function of pepsin in the body.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following statements best describes endocrine glands?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Endocrine glands are ductless glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are then carried to target organs and tissues throughout the body, where they regulate various physiological functions. The statement 'They secrete chemicals into the blood' accurately describes the function of endocrine glands. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because endocrine glands do not secrete enzymes into ducts, produce sweat, or produce saliva. These functions are typically associated with exocrine glands, sweat glands, and salivary glands, respectively.

5. Which of the following statements is anatomically correct?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term 'proximal' refers to a body part being closer to the center of the body or a point of reference. In this case, the hip is closer to the center of the body compared to the knee, which makes the statement anatomically correct. Choice A is incorrect as the knee is proximal to the ankle. Choice B is incorrect as the heart is superior to the diaphragm. Choice D is incorrect as the elbow is proximal to the wrist.

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