which gland is often referred to as the master gland
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which gland is often referred to as the 'master gland'?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes a variety of hormones that regulate various bodily functions and play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. The thyroid gland (Choice A) plays a role in regulating metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice C) secretes hormones involved in stress response, and the pineal gland (Choice D) produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles, but they are not known as the 'master gland' due to their functions.

2. Which organelle is responsible for energy production in the cell?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for energy production in the cell. They generate energy through cellular respiration, producing ATP, which is the primary energy currency of the cell. Known as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria play a vital role in meeting the energy demands of various cellular processes. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material, not energy production. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, not energy production. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, as well as detoxification, but it is not primarily responsible for energy production.

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 hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Its secretion is influenced by light exposure, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to encourage wakefulness. Insulin is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol plays a role in the body's stress response and circadian rhythm but is not the primary hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, not the sleep-wake cycle.

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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