what is the primary function of the liver
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Nursing Elites

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the primary function of the liver?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances in the blood. While the liver also produces bile, which aids in digestion, stores glycogen for energy storage, and participates in metabolism, its main and essential function is detoxification. Producing insulin is mainly attributed to the pancreas, not the liver.

2. Which gland produces the hormone melatonin?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pineal gland. The pineal gland is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin secretion is influenced by light exposure. Higher levels are observed at night to promote sleep, while lower levels during the day encourage wakefulness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not associated with the production of melatonin. The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine, the pituitary gland controls various other glands, and the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

3. Which vitamin is essential for the absorption of calcium?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium in the intestines, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It helps regulate calcium levels in the blood and promotes bone mineralization, making it an essential vitamin for overall bone health. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function, not specifically for calcium absorption. Vitamin K (Choice C) is essential for blood clotting, while Vitamin C (Choice D) is known for its role in collagen production and antioxidant properties, but not directly related to calcium absorption.

4. When an individual is under stress, hormones are released. Which of the following is not one of the locations in which hormones are released when under stress?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During stress, hormones are released from the adrenal cortex, posterior pituitary, and hypothalamus to help the body respond. The parathyroid gland, however, is not typically involved in the stress response by releasing hormones. The posterior pituitary releases hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin, the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin, while the adrenal cortex releases cortisol and aldosterone in response to stress. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Parathyroid.'

5. Which of the following is not a principal organ of the nervous system?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The thymus is not a principal organ of the nervous system; it is part of the immune system. The brain, spinal cord, and ganglia are principal organs of the nervous system. The brain is responsible for processing information, the spinal cord helps transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and ganglia are clusters of nerve cells that support the nervous system's functions. Therefore, the thymus is the correct answer as it is not directly involved in nervous system functions.

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