which organ system is largely responsible for controlling stress

HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam

1. Which organ system is largely responsible for controlling stress?

A. The endocrine system
B. The digestive system
C. The lymphatic system
D. The respiratory system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The endocrine system is largely responsible for controlling stress through the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones help regulate the body's response to stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy production. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in the body's stress response and helps the body adapt to and cope with stressful situations. The digestive system (Choice B) is primarily responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, not controlling stress. The lymphatic system (Choice C) is responsible for immune function and maintaining fluid balance, not controlling stress. The respiratory system (Choice D) is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, not controlling stress.

2. How do the intercostal muscles between the ribs assist with respiration?

A. By protecting the delicate bronchioles and alveoli
B. By signaling a decrease in intra-alveolar pressure
C. By enlarging and reducing the space in the thorax
D. By maintaining a medial separation between pleurae

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The intercostal muscles located between the ribs play a crucial role in respiration by aiding in the enlargement and reduction of the space in the thorax. During inspiration, these muscles contract, lifting the rib cage, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity and allows the lungs to expand and fill with air. This process directly relates to the expansion of the thorax rather than protecting bronchioles and alveoli (Choice A), signaling intra-alveolar pressure changes (Choice B), or maintaining the separation between pleurae (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is C.

3. Which of the following is known as the production of red blood cells?

A. Thrombopoiesis
B. Erythropoiesis
C. Hematopoiesis
D. Phagocytosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Erythropoiesis specifically refers to the process of producing red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the bone marrow. Hematopoiesis is the broader term that encompasses the production of all types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and digest particles, while thrombopoiesis is the production of platelets. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it directly relates to the production of red blood cells.

4. What is the primary role of the small intestine in nutrient absorption?

A. To break down food
B. To absorb nutrients
C. To secrete digestive enzymes
D. To store glucose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To absorb nutrients.' The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream, facilitating the delivery of essential nutrients to the body for various functions and processes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while the small intestine does contribute to the breakdown of food and does secrete digestive enzymes, its primary function is to absorb nutrients, not to store glucose.

5. Which of the following endocrine system glands releases the thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones?

A. Thymus
B. Pituitary gland
C. Pineal gland
D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for releasing various essential hormones, including thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones. These hormones play crucial roles in regulating the functions of other endocrine glands by stimulating or inhibiting their hormone production. The Thymus (choice A) is primarily involved in the immune system, the Pituitary gland (choice B) secretes various hormones but not the ones specified in the question, and the Pineal gland (choice C) mainly produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, and is not related to the hormones mentioned in the question.