what is the function of the pituitary gland
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology 2023

1. What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pituitary gland, known as the 'master gland,' plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes by secreting hormones that control other endocrine glands. This includes the regulation of metabolism, growth, reproduction, stress response, and more. Therefore, the correct function of the pituitary gland is regulating metabolism, making choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the pituitary gland is not involved in producing bile, filtering blood, or controlling muscle movement.

2. How might the headrest on a car prevent traumatic injury?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The headrest on a car is designed to prevent traumatic injury by limiting hyperextension of the neck during a rear-end collision. This helps reduce the risk of whiplash and other neck injuries that may occur when the head is forcefully thrown backward. Choice A is incorrect because hyperflexion is not the primary concern in rear-end collisions. Choice C is incorrect as the headrest does not directly reduce vertebral compression. Choice D is incorrect because the headrest is not directly involved in preventing disc degeneration.

3. Where would you be likely to find a Schwann cell?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Schwann cells are a type of neuroglia found in the peripheral nervous system. They are responsible for producing the myelin sheath around axons of neurons, which helps with the conduction of nerve impulses. Therefore, Schwann cells are typically found in the nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Schwann cells are specifically associated with the nervous system and are not found in the digestive, skeletal, or muscular systems.

4. Which of the heart's four chambers is the largest and the strongest?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the left ventricle. The left ventricle is the largest and strongest chamber of the heart. It pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body, making it a vital component of the circulatory system. The left atrium receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs, the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, and the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body.

5. Which gland produces melatonin?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pineal gland. This gland is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to aid wakefulness. The Thyroid gland (choice B) produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the Adrenal gland (choice C) produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and the Pituitary gland (choice D) controls several other glands in the endocrine system.

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