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 main function of the urinary bladder?

A. To filter blood
B. To store and concentrate bile
C. To store urine
D. To absorb nutrients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To store urine. The main function of the urinary bladder is to store urine produced by the kidneys before it is excreted from the body. It acts as a reservoir for urine until it is expelled during urination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the urinary bladder does not filter blood, store or concentrate bile, or absorb nutrients. It is solely responsible for storing and releasing urine.

3. What is the primary function of the liver?

A. Detoxifying harmful substances
B. Producing bile
C. Producing insulin
D. Storing glycogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances in the blood. While the liver also produces bile, which aids in digestion, stores glycogen for energy storage, and participates in metabolism, its main and essential function is detoxification. Producing insulin is mainly attributed to the pancreas, not the liver.

4. Which type of joint allows for rotational movement?

A. Hinge joint
B. Pivot joint
C. Ball and socket joint
D. Saddle joint

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A pivot joint, such as the one found in the neck, allows for rotational movement, enabling the head to turn from side to side. This type of joint provides a specific axis of rotation, allowing for a turning motion around that axis. Choice A, the hinge joint, primarily allows movement in one plane, like the elbow joint's flexion and extension. Choice C, the ball and socket joint, allows for a wide range of motion in multiple directions, but it is not primarily known for rotational movement. Choice D, the saddle joint, allows for movements like bending, straightening, and limited rotation, but it is not primarily designed for rotational movement like the pivot joint.

5. Which part of the respiratory system is in the upper respiratory tract?

A. Bronchioles
B. Alveolar ducts
C. Alveoli
D. None of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The upper respiratory tract includes structures such as the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. These structures are responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air. The lower respiratory tract comprises the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. Bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli are all part of the lower respiratory system, involved in gas exchange. Therefore, the correct answer is 'None of the above' as none of the listed options are part of the upper respiratory tract.