what condition might result from lack of vitamin c

HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

1. What condition might result from a lack of vitamin C?

A. Kwashiorkor
B. Pellagra
C. Rickets
D. Scurvy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Scurvy is the correct answer. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to symptoms such as weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and easy bruising. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to more severe complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition due to insufficient protein intake, pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), and rickets results from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

2. To which system do the ovaries belong?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: reproductive system. The ovaries are essential organs of the female reproductive system. They play a vital role in producing eggs and secreting hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The skeletal system (choice A) consists of bones and tissues that support the body, the nervous system (choice B) controls body functions and responses, and the lymphatic system (choice C) helps the body fight off infections. Therefore, the ovaries belong to the reproductive system.

3. What is the meaning of endocytosis?

A. The cell engulfs solid particles.
B. The cell engulfs liquid material.
C. The cell expels solid particles.
D. The cell releases liquid material.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Endocytosis is a cellular process where the cell engulfs and internalizes solid particles by forming vesicles. It is a mechanism used for nutrient uptake, cell signaling, and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Options B, C, and D describe processes that are opposite to endocytosis. Choice B is incorrect because it describes pinocytosis, which is the process of engulfing liquid material. Choice C is incorrect as it describes exocytosis, the process of expelling material from the cell. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the process of releasing liquid material from the cell. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

4. Which gland is responsible for regulating metabolism and calcium levels?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the thyroid gland (Choice C). The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism by producing hormones like thyroxine, which control the body's metabolic rate. It also helps in controlling calcium levels in the blood through the release of calcitonin. The pituitary gland (Choice A) is known as the 'master gland' as it controls other glands but is not primarily responsible for regulating metabolism and calcium levels. The adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are involved in the stress response and metabolism, but they do not specifically regulate calcium levels. The pineal gland (Choice D) mainly produces melatonin, a hormone that helps in regulating sleep-wake cycles and has no direct role in metabolism or calcium level regulation.

5. Which of the following is a structure found in the upper respiratory tract?

A. Larynx
B. Pharynx
C. Esophagus
D. Trachea

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx is indeed a structure located in the upper respiratory tract. It acts as a common passageway for both air heading to the lungs and food traveling to the esophagus, making it a vital structure for breathing and swallowing functions. The larynx, trachea, and esophagus are also part of the respiratory and digestive systems but are not specifically located in the upper respiratory tract. The larynx is situated below the pharynx, while the trachea is found below the larynx, and the esophagus is part of the digestive system, not the respiratory tract.