what is the main function of the immune system
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HESI A2

Anatomy and Physiology Hesi A2 Practice Test

1. What is the main function of the immune system?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the immune system is to protect the body from infections by identifying and destroying pathogens like bacteria and viruses. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and preventing illnesses. Choice A is incorrect because hormone production is primarily handled by the endocrine system, not the immune system. Choice C is incorrect as waste removal is mainly performed by the excretory system, not the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as regulating body temperature is primarily the role of the thermoregulatory system, not the immune system.

2. Which hormone is released in response to low blood glucose levels?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Glucagon is the hormone released in response to low blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels drop, the pancreas secretes glucagon to stimulate the liver to break down glycogen into glucose, increasing blood sugar levels. This helps to restore the body's glucose balance. Insulin, on the other hand, is released in response to high blood glucose levels to lower blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake by cells. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and adrenaline is released in response to stress or danger, not specifically to regulate blood glucose levels.

3. Which organelle is responsible for generating energy within a cell?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mitochondria are commonly referred to as the powerhouses of the cell as they are primarily responsible for generating energy through cellular respiration. This process involves converting nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the main energy currency of the cell. The nucleus is responsible for storing the cell's genetic material, the ribosome is involved in protein synthesis, and the Golgi apparatus is responsible for packaging and distributing molecules produced by the cell; therefore, they are not directly involved in energy generation.

4. Which hormone is produced by the pineal gland?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Melatonin is the hormone produced by the pineal gland. It plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and is instrumental in maintaining the body's circadian rhythm. Melatonin production is triggered by darkness and inhibited by light, aiding in signaling the body when it is time to sleep. Corticosteroid, oxytocin, and prolactin are hormones produced by other glands in the body and are not associated with the pineal gland. Therefore, they are incorrect choices for this question.

5. Nerve tissue is composed of neurons and connective tissue cells that are referred to as which of the following?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neuroglia are specialized connective tissue cells that provide support and protection to neurons in the nervous system. They assist in the proper functioning of neurons and are essential for maintaining the overall health of nerve tissue. Therefore, in the context of nerve tissue composition, neuroglia are the connective tissue cells associated with neurons. The other choices, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and arterioles, are not the correct types of connective tissue cells found in nerve tissue. Osteoblasts are involved in bone formation, osteocytes are mature bone cells, and arterioles are small blood vessels that supply blood to tissues.

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