what is the function of the respiratory system
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the bloodstream. Oxygen is taken in during inhalation and transported to cells, while carbon dioxide is removed during exhalation as a waste product of cellular metabolism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary function of the respiratory system. Regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by the thermoregulatory system, fighting infections is a function of the immune system, and producing energy is primarily done by the metabolic system.

2. Which gland produces hormones that regulate sleep?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels increasing in the evening to promote sleep and decreasing in the morning to signal wakefulness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol related to stress response, and the pituitary gland controls various functions by releasing different hormones but not specifically related to regulating sleep.

3. Which gland is responsible for regulating metabolism and calcium levels?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the thyroid gland (Choice C). The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism by producing hormones like thyroxine, which control the body's metabolic rate. It also helps in controlling calcium levels in the blood through the release of calcitonin. The pituitary gland (Choice A) is known as the 'master gland' as it controls other glands but is not primarily responsible for regulating metabolism and calcium levels. The adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are involved in the stress response and metabolism, but they do not specifically regulate calcium levels. The pineal gland (Choice D) mainly produces melatonin, a hormone that helps in regulating sleep-wake cycles and has no direct role in metabolism or calcium level regulation.

4. Which part of the respiratory system is in the upper respiratory tract?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The upper respiratory tract includes structures such as the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. These structures are responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air. The lower respiratory tract comprises the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. Bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli are all part of the lower respiratory system, involved in gas exchange. Therefore, the correct answer is 'None of the above' as none of the listed options are part of the upper respiratory tract.

5. What is the primary function of red blood cells?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. This is essential for cellular respiration and overall body functions. Red blood cells do not play a role in clotting blood, fighting infection, or carrying hormones. Choice A is incorrect because clotting blood is primarily done by platelets and other components of blood. Choice C is incorrect as fighting infection is a function mainly carried out by white blood cells. Choice D is incorrect because carrying hormones is primarily attributed to proteins like albumin and specific hormone-carrying proteins.

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