what is the role of the kidneys in the urinary system
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Nursing Elites

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. What is the function of the kidneys in the urinary system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To filter blood and remove waste.' The kidneys play a crucial role in the urinary system by filtering blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, which are then excreted as urine. This process helps maintain the body's internal balance by regulating electrolyte levels and controlling blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the kidneys do not produce red blood cells (bone marrow does), regulate blood pressure directly (although they indirectly influence it through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), or absorb water (they regulate water balance but do not absorb water).

2. Which gland is often referred to as the 'master gland'?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes a variety of hormones that regulate various bodily functions and play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. The thyroid gland (Choice A) plays a role in regulating metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice C) secretes hormones involved in stress response, and the pineal gland (Choice D) produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles, but they are not known as the 'master gland' due to their functions.

3. If an impulse is traveling from a sense receptor toward the spinal cord, it is traveling along what type of neuron?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sensory neuron. A sensory neuron is responsible for carrying impulses from sensory receptors to the spinal cord. These neurons transmit information about external stimuli from the periphery to the central nervous system for processing and response. Choice A, Motor neuron, is incorrect as motor neurons carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling movement and secretion. Choice C, Interneuron, is incorrect as interneurons act as connectors between sensory and motor neurons, primarily facilitating communication between the two. Choice D, Bipolar neuron, is incorrect as bipolar neurons are specialized sensory neurons found in some sensory organs like the retina of the eye and the olfactory epithelium.

4. When an individual is under stress, hormones are released. Which of the following is not one of the locations where hormones are released when under stress?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The parathyroid gland is not a location where hormones are typically released during stress. It primarily regulates calcium levels in the blood through the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). On the other hand, the adrenal cortex releases hormones like cortisol in response to stress, the posterior pituitary releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone, and the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in coordinating stress responses through the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Therefore, the parathyroid gland is the correct answer as it is not directly involved in the stress response pathway.

5. Which hormone is responsible for the regulation of calcium levels in the blood?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone, produced by the parathyroid glands, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It achieves this by increasing calcium absorption in the intestines and kidneys, thus maintaining appropriate calcium levels in the bloodstream. Insulin is involved in glucose metabolism, not calcium regulation. Cortisol is a stress hormone that affects various body functions but not calcium levels. Melatonin is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, not calcium levels.

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