which hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex?

A. Insulin
B. Cortisol
C. Thyroxine
D. Glucagon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and managing stress. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, thyroxine by the thyroid gland, and glucagon by the pancreas. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.

2. What is the name of the bone in the human thigh?

A. Ulna
B. Femur
C. Radius
D. Humerus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Femur. The femur, also known as the thigh bone, is located in the human thigh. It is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, extending from the hip to the knee. The ulna, radius, and humerus, on the other hand, are bones found in the arm. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are bones of the arm, not the thigh.

3. Which fibrous connective tissue attaches muscles to bones?

A. Tendons
B. Ligaments
C. Cartilage
D. Fascia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, allowing the transmission of forces generated by muscles and facilitating movement at joints. Ligaments, on the other hand, connect bones to other bones, providing stability. Cartilage is a firm, flexible connective tissue found in joints and the respiratory tract. Fascia surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, offering support and protection. Therefore, the correct answer is tendons as they specifically connect muscles to bones.

4. To which system do the ovaries belong?

A. skeletal system
B. nervous system
C. lymphatic system
D. reproductive system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: reproductive system. The ovaries are essential organs of the female reproductive system. They play a vital role in producing eggs and secreting hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The skeletal system (choice A) consists of bones and tissues that support the body, the nervous system (choice B) controls body functions and responses, and the lymphatic system (choice C) helps the body fight off infections. Therefore, the ovaries belong to the reproductive system.

5. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system?

A. Regulating blood pressure
B. Filtering blood to remove waste
C. Producing red blood cells
D. Regulating electrolyte balance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system is to filter blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, which are then excreted as urine. Kidneys act as a filtration system, removing waste like urea, excess salts, and toxins. While the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure by secreting renin and maintaining electrolyte balance by adjusting the levels of sodium, potassium, and other ions in the blood, their main and essential function is filtration and waste removal, making choice B the correct answer.