which gland is responsible for regulating metabolism

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which gland is responsible for regulating metabolism?

A. Pituitary gland
B. Adrenal gland
C. Thyroid gland
D. Pineal gland

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism. It produces hormones such as thyroxine, which plays a key role in influencing the body's metabolic rate. The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' but is not directly responsible for regulating metabolism. The adrenal gland is involved in the stress response and producing hormones like cortisol, not primarily regulating metabolism. The pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, not metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland.

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

A. Cerebrum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Cerebellum
D. Hypothalamus

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.

3. The arteries are part of which system?

A. Nervous system
B. Endocrine system
C. Lymphatic system
D. Cardiovascular system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cardiovascular system. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. They are a key component of the cardiovascular system, which is responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body. The other options (A, B, and C) are incorrect because arteries are not part of the nervous system, endocrine system, or lymphatic system.

4. How does the nervous system work with the muscular system?

A. The muscles of the body produce chemicals that feed the nerves.
B. The nervous system tells the muscles how to respond to the environment.
C. The nervous system releases chemicals that remove excess waste from the muscles.
D. The muscular system provides input that allows the nerves to make decisions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nervous system communicates with the muscular system to control voluntary and involuntary muscle movements. The nervous system sends signals to the muscles, instructing them on how to respond to various stimuli in the environment. This communication allows for coordinated movement and responses to external and internal changes. Choice A is incorrect because muscles do not produce chemicals to feed the nerves. Choice C is incorrect because the nervous system does not release chemicals to remove waste from the muscles. Choice D is incorrect because the muscular system does not provide input for the nerves to make decisions.

5. Which of the heart's four chambers is the largest and the strongest?

A. Right atrium
B. Left ventricle
C. Right ventricle
D. Left atrium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The left ventricle is the largest and strongest chamber of the heart. It pumps oxygenated blood to the body, making it vital for systemic circulation. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, the right ventricle pumps this blood to the lungs, and the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.