what is the role of the spleen in the immune system
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HESI A2

Anatomy and Physiology Hesi A2 Practice Test

1. What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system by filtering blood, specifically removing old or damaged red blood cells. It also stores lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight infections. While the spleen does not produce white blood cells or antibodies, its main functions lie in blood filtration and storage of immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B is incorrect because the spleen does not produce white blood cells. Choice C is incorrect as the spleen stores lymphocytes but does not primarily function to do so. Choice D is incorrect because the spleen does not produce antibodies.

2. How might vitamin D deficiency present?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin D deficiency can present as crooked bones in children due to a condition called rickets. This is because vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to soft and weak bones, resulting in skeletal deformities such as bow legs or knock knees. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as bleeding gums are more commonly associated with vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), swollen extremities could be a sign of various conditions like edema, and red patches are not typically a direct manifestation of vitamin D deficiency.

3. What is the primary function of the skin in the integumentary system?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the skin in the integumentary system is to protect the body from external damage. The skin acts as a barrier against pathogens, UV radiation, and physical trauma. While the skin does help regulate body temperature by sweating and vasodilation, its main role is protection. Skin does not produce red blood cells; this is the function of the bone marrow. Hormones are primarily produced by endocrine glands, not the skin.

4. Which brain part is responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, situated in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling essential functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. It contains vital cardiovascular and respiratory centers, making it the correct choice for the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, not in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically heart rate and blood pressure. The pons is involved in functions like sleep, respiration, and bladder control, not primarily in regulating heart rate and blood pressure.

5. Which hormone is involved in the body's stress response?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cortisol. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, is involved in the body's stress response. It helps regulate metabolism, immune function, and the body's response to stressors by increasing blood sugar levels, suppressing the immune system, and aiding in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Choice A, Insulin, is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and is not primarily involved in the stress response. Choice B, Adrenaline, is also known as epinephrine and is involved in the fight-or-flight response, which is related to stress but is not the main hormone in the body's stress response. Choice D, Melatonin, is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not directly involved in the stress response.

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