which organ is responsible for the production of hormones during stress

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which organ is responsible for the production of hormones during stress?

A. Parathyroid gland
B. Adrenal cortex
C. Posterior pituitary gland
D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The adrenal cortex is the organ responsible for producing stress hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, which play a crucial role in the body's stress response. During stress, the adrenal cortex releases cortisol, a hormone that helps the body deal with stress by increasing blood sugar, suppressing the immune system, and aiding in metabolism. Parathyroid gland is responsible for calcium regulation, the posterior pituitary gland secretes hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin which are not directly related to the stress response, and the hypothalamus plays a role in regulating hormonal balance and various bodily functions but is not primarily responsible for producing stress hormones.

2. Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing sensory information related to touch, temperature, and body position?

A. Frontal lobe
B. Parietal lobe
C. Occipital lobe
D. Temporal lobe

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The parietal lobe is primarily responsible for processing sensory information related to touch, temperature, and body position. It plays a crucial role in interpreting sensations from different parts of the body, including proprioception, which is the awareness of body position. The frontal lobe is more associated with functions like decision-making and personality, the occipital lobe is primarily involved in visual processing, and the temporal lobe is responsible for auditory processing and memory. Therefore, the parietal lobe is the correct answer for this question.

3. Which of the following is true about skeletal muscle?

A. Skeletal muscle makes up 40% of the body's weight.
B. Skeletal muscle attaches to bones by tendons.
C. Muscle contraction is not involved in temperature regulation.
D. Skeletal muscles contract only when in use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement is that skeletal muscle attaches to bones through tendons, enabling movement. Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow the force generated by muscle contraction to be transmitted to the bones, facilitating voluntary movements. Choice A is incorrect because skeletal muscle typically makes up around 40-50% of an individual's body weight, not a fixed 40%. Choice C is incorrect as muscle contraction plays a vital role in temperature regulation by generating heat. Choice D is incorrect as skeletal muscles may have constant low-level contractions even at rest, known as muscle tone.

4. Which is an anterior muscle of the thigh?

A. Gluteus maximus
B. Quadriceps femoris
C. Biceps femoris
D. Adductor magnus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quadriceps femoris. The quadriceps femoris is an anterior muscle located on the front of the thigh. It is composed of four muscles: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. These muscles play a crucial role in extending the knee and are essential for activities like walking, running, and jumping. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not anterior muscles of the thigh. Gluteus maximus is a muscle located in the buttocks, biceps femoris is a muscle of the posterior thigh, and adductor magnus is a muscle of the medial thigh.

5. How do the digestive system and urinary system work together?

A. The digestive system controls the function of the ureter.
B. The urinary system removes toxins from the products of digestion.
C. The digestive system manufactures hormones that influence urination.
D. The urinary system eliminates some waste products of digestion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the urinary system eliminates some waste products of digestion. After digestion in the digestive system, nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream, and waste products are transported to the kidneys via the urinary system to be excreted as urine. This process helps eliminate waste products generated during digestion, illustrating the coordination between the digestive and urinary systems. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect as the ureter is part of the urinary system, not controlled by the digestive system. Choice B is incorrect as the urinary system primarily removes metabolic waste, not toxins from digestion. Choice C is incorrect because the digestive system mainly aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, not hormone production affecting urination.