what is the function of the adrenal glands

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. What is the function of the adrenal glands?

A. To regulate metabolism
B. To produce bile
C. To produce red blood cells
D. To regulate blood glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To regulate blood glucose. The adrenal glands play a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels and the body's response to stress. Choice A, 'To regulate metabolism,' is incorrect as the primary role of the adrenal glands is not directly related to metabolism regulation. Choice B, 'To produce bile,' is incorrect because bile is produced by the liver, not the adrenal glands. Choice C, 'To produce red blood cells,' is also incorrect as the production of red blood cells primarily occurs in the bone marrow, not the adrenal glands.

2. Which of the following is a consequence of bone marrow failure?

A. Seizures.
B. Pancytopenia.
C. Paraplegia.
D. Pathologic fractures.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected question focuses on the consequence of bone marrow failure, which is pancytopenia. Bone marrow failure results in decreased production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to pancytopenia. This condition manifests as fatigue, weakness, increased infection susceptibility, and bleeding tendencies. Paraplegia, seizures, and pathologic fractures are not typical outcomes of bone marrow failure. Paraplegia is associated with spinal cord injury, seizures with neurological disorders, and pathologic fractures with conditions like osteoporosis or bone tumors.

3. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

4. Which of the following structures is responsible for producing insulin?

A. Liver
B. Pancreas
C. Gallbladder
D. Spleen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pancreas. The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by allowing cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream. The liver (choice A) plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels through glycogen storage and release but does not produce insulin. The gallbladder (choice C) stores bile produced by the liver to aid in digestion and has no direct involvement in insulin production. The spleen (choice D) is involved in immune function and blood storage but not in the production of insulin.

5. Which part of the cell is responsible for storing genetic information?

A. Ribosome
B. Mitochondrion
C. Nucleus
D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Nucleus. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic information in the form of DNA. The DNA within the nucleus controls the activities of the cell by directing the synthesis of proteins and regulating gene expression. Choices A, Ribosome, B, Mitochondrion, and D, Cytoplasm, do not store genetic information. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, mitochondria produce energy for the cell, and cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that houses organelles and where many cellular activities occur.