what is the role of the liver in digestion
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The liver's main role in digestion is to produce bile, a substance that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile emulsifies fats, helping enzymes break them down into smaller molecules for easier absorption in the digestive tract. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'To produce bile.' Storing glucose, secreting digestive enzymes, and detoxifying harmful substances are functions of the liver, but they are not primarily related to digestion.

2. Which gland is known as the 'master gland'?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' is the correct answer. It is responsible for regulating the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. The pituitary gland controls various bodily functions and plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance, making it a central and vital component of the endocrine system. The other options, such as the thyroid gland (A), adrenal gland (C), and pineal gland (D), have important functions in the endocrine system but are not specifically known as the 'master gland.'

3. What is the primary function of the adrenal glands?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the adrenal glands is to regulate metabolism and the body's stress response. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that play a vital role in managing metabolism, immune response, and stress levels. Choice A is incorrect because insulin is produced by the pancreas, not the adrenal glands. Choice C is incorrect because fighting infections is primarily the role of the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of blood pressure involves organs like the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, not the adrenal glands.

4. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as the control center for automatic functions necessary for survival, making it the correct choice in this scenario. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, so it does not control basic physiological functions like breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, while the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically breathing and heart rate.

5. Which type of joint allows for movement in multiple directions?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is a ball and socket joint like the shoulder or hip joint, as it allows for movement in multiple directions, including rotation. This type of joint offers a high degree of mobility due to its structure, where the rounded end of one bone fits into the cup-like socket of another bone. A hinge joint (Choice A) allows movement primarily in one plane, like the elbow or knee. A pivot joint (Choice C) allows for rotation around an axis, seen in the neck joint. A saddle joint (Choice D) enables movements in multiple directions but to a lesser extent compared to a ball and socket joint, found in the thumb joint.

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