what is the primary function of the skeletal system
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the skeletal system is to protect vital organs, provide structural support, and enable movement. It serves as a framework that supports and protects internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Choice A is incorrect because blood cell production primarily occurs in the bone marrow, a component of the skeletal system but not its primary function. Choice C is incorrect because fat storage is not a primary function of the skeletal system. Choice D is incorrect because hormone secretion is mainly regulated by endocrine glands, not the skeletal system.

2. Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thyroxine is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and growth. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels, not by the thyroid gland. Glucagon is also produced by the pancreas and helps increase blood sugar levels. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in stress response and metabolism, not by the thyroid gland.

3. What is the primary function of the nervous system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the nervous system is to transmit signals and coordinate body activities. It controls and regulates body functions by sending and receiving signals between different parts of the body, enabling responses to internal and external stimuli. This intricate network allows for communication between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, ultimately facilitating movement, sensation, thoughts, and various bodily functions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary function of the nervous system. Fighting infections is primarily the role of the immune system, producing hormones is the function of the endocrine system, and regulating body temperature involves mechanisms of thermoregulation within the body, not directly controlled by the nervous system.

4. Which muscle is responsible for breathing?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing inhalation. When it relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing exhalation. The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, assist the diaphragm in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity. The rectus abdominis and pectoralis major are not directly involved in the process of breathing.

5. Which of the following is true about skeletal muscle?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement is that skeletal muscle attaches to bones through tendons, enabling movement. Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow the force generated by muscle contraction to be transmitted to the bones, facilitating voluntary movements. Choice A is incorrect because skeletal muscle typically makes up around 40-50% of an individual's body weight, not a fixed 40%. Choice C is incorrect as muscle contraction plays a vital role in temperature regulation by generating heat. Choice D is incorrect as skeletal muscles may have constant low-level contractions even at rest, known as muscle tone.

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