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 hormone is released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin is the hormone released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, helping to decrease blood glucose levels and store excess glucose for energy or future use. Glucagon, on the other hand, raises blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Cortisol and somatostatin do not directly regulate blood glucose levels in the same manner as insulin and glucagon.

3. To which system do the retinas belong?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The retinas belong to the nervous system. The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for detecting light and sending visual information to the brain through the optic nerve. This process is essential for vision, which is controlled by the nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the retinas have no association with the skeletal, lymphatic, or circulatory systems.

4. What is the primary role of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

A. Carrying oxygen
B. Carrying nutrients
C. Carrying carbon dioxide
D. Carrying waste products

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin's primary function in red blood cells is to bind with oxygen in the lungs and transport it to the body's tissues and cells. This process is crucial for cellular respiration and the overall oxygenation of the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin primarily carries oxygen, not nutrients, carbon dioxide, or waste products.

5. Which hormone is responsible for the regulation of calcium levels in the blood?

A. Insulin
B. Parathyroid hormone
C. Cortisol
D. Melatonin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone, produced by the parathyroid glands, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It achieves this by increasing calcium absorption in the intestines and kidneys, thus maintaining appropriate calcium levels in the bloodstream. Insulin is involved in glucose metabolism, not calcium regulation. Cortisol is a stress hormone that affects various body functions but not calcium levels. Melatonin is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, not calcium levels.