what is the primary function of the skeletal system
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. What is the primary function of the skeletal system?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the skeletal system is to protect vital organs, provide structural support, and enable movement. It serves as a framework that supports and protects internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Choice A is incorrect because blood cell production primarily occurs in the bone marrow, a component of the skeletal system but not its primary function. Choice C is incorrect because fat storage is not a primary function of the skeletal system. Choice D is incorrect because hormone secretion is mainly regulated by endocrine glands, not the skeletal system.

2. Which structure in the ear is responsible for hearing?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cochlea, located in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting sound waves and converting them into neural signals that are sent to the brain for processing. It plays a crucial role in the process of hearing by translating mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound. The semicircular canals (Choice B) are responsible for balance and detecting head movements, not hearing. The ossicles (Choice C) are three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the cochlea. The Eustachian tube (Choice D) helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere, but it is not directly involved in the process of hearing.

3. Which hormone is involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Melatonin. Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is the hormone involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. It plays a crucial role in signaling the body that it is time to sleep and is influenced by light exposure. Melatonin levels typically rise in the evening, promoting sleep, and decrease in the morning, helping in waking up. Choice A, Insulin, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not the sleep-wake cycle. Choice C, Cortisol, is a stress hormone that helps regulate metabolism and immune response but is not primarily involved in the sleep-wake cycle. Choice D, Thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, growth, and development, but it is not directly involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

4. How does a transverse section divide the body?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A transverse section, also known as a cross-section, divides the body into upper and lower regions. This type of section cuts across the body horizontally, creating a division between the superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions of the body. Choice A is incorrect as dividing the body into right and left regions is typically done by a sagittal section. Choice C is incorrect as dividing the body into front and back regions is usually achieved by a frontal section. Choice D is incorrect as it refers more to the relationship between dorsal and ventral cavities rather than the actual division of the body.

5. The hypothalamus is part of the ___________.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that plays a crucial role in linking the nervous system to the endocrine system. It helps regulate various bodily functions by releasing hormones that signal the pituitary gland to release other hormones that control metabolism, growth, reproduction, sleep, and other important processes. Therefore, the hypothalamus is a key component of the endocrine system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the hypothalamus is not part of the cardiovascular, respiratory, or lymphatic systems.

Similar Questions

Which of the following is not part of the central nervous system?
Which gland produces melatonin?
How does a sagittal section divide the body?
Which structure in the ear is responsible for detecting sound?
Which type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs?

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