which hormone is responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Erythropoietin is the correct answer. It is the hormone responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. This hormone promotes the generation of more red blood cells to increase the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Insulin (Choice A), Glucagon (Choice C), and Thyroxine (Choice D) do not stimulate the production of red blood cells. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, Glucagon increases blood sugar levels, and Thyroxine regulates metabolism.

2. Which bone does not articulate with any other bone?

A. Femur
B. Hyoid
C. Radius
D. Scapula

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The hyoid bone is the correct answer as it is the only bone in the human body that does not articulate with any other bone. Instead, it is suspended in the neck by ligaments and muscles, providing support for the tongue and serving as an attachment point for various throat and tongue muscles. The femur (Choice A), radius (Choice C), and scapula (Choice D) all articulate with other bones in the body at various joints, making them incorrect answers for this question.

3. Which of the following structures is part of both the male reproductive system and the urinary system?

A. Bladder
B. Urethra
C. Prostate
D. Seminal Vesicle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The urethra is the correct answer as it is a structure shared by both the male reproductive and urinary systems. It functions as a conduit for both urine from the bladder and semen from the reproductive system, making it a crucial component of both systems. The bladder (Choice A) is solely part of the urinary system, storing urine. The prostate (Choice C) and seminal vesicle (Choice D) are structures specific to the male reproductive system, involved in producing and secreting components of semen.

4. What is the name of the outermost layer of the skin?

A. dermis
B. epidermis
C. subcutaneous tissue
D. hypodermis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The epidermis is the correct answer as it is the outermost layer of the skin. It acts as a protective barrier against environmental factors and helps in regulating moisture balance. The epidermis is also where new skin cells are continuously formed and contains melanocytes responsible for skin pigmentation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis, the subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer of the skin, and the hypodermis lies below the dermis.

5. Which hormone initiates the preparation of the endometrium of the uterus for pregnancy?

A. FSH
B. Estrogen
C. LH
D. Progesterone

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Progesterone initiates the preparation of the endometrium of the uterus for pregnancy. It promotes the growth of blood vessels and glands in the endometrial lining, making it conducive for implantation and supporting early pregnancy. While estrogen helps in thickening the endometrium, it is progesterone that plays a crucial role in preparing it for pregnancy. FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) is involved in stimulating ovarian follicles, not directly in preparing the endometrium. LH (Luteinizing hormone) triggers ovulation but does not primarily prepare the endometrium for pregnancy.