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. Which vitamin is essential for the clotting of blood?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin K
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin D

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of proteins required for blood clotting. It specifically assists in the activation of clotting factors to prevent excessive bleeding from injuries. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in maintaining a balance between clotting and bleeding in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and skin health. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.

3. Which organ is responsible for the production of insulin?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Insulin is crucial for maintaining proper blood sugar levels and is produced by specialized cells within the pancreas known as beta cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland do not produce insulin. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the pituitary gland releases various hormones that control other glands, and the adrenal gland produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

4. Which is another name for thiamine?

A. Vitamin B1
B. Vitamin B2
C. Vitamin B6
D. Vitamin D

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thiamine is another name for Vitamin B1. It is an essential vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B2 is riboflavin, not thiamine. Vitamin B6 is pyridoxine, not thiamine. Vitamin D is a different vitamin responsible for calcium absorption and bone health, not thiamine. Therefore, the correct answer is Vitamin B1.

5. What is the primary function of the liver in the digestive system?

A. To produce bile
B. To secrete digestive enzymes
C. To store glucose
D. To store bile

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To produce bile.' The liver's primary role in the digestive system is to produce bile. Bile is essential for emulsifying fats, aiding in their digestion and absorption in the small intestine. Choice B is incorrect because while the liver does secrete some digestive enzymes, its primary function is bile production. Choice C is incorrect because while the liver does store glucose, it is not its primary function in the digestive system. Choice D is incorrect because the liver produces bile, but it does not store it.