which gland is often referred to as the master gland

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

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

A. Thyroid gland
B. Pituitary gland
C. Adrenal gland
D. Pineal 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.

2. Which is an anterior muscle of the thigh?

A. Gluteus maximus
B. Quadriceps femoris
C. Biceps femoris
D. Adductor magnus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quadriceps femoris. The quadriceps femoris is an anterior muscle located on the front of the thigh. It is composed of four muscles: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. These muscles play a crucial role in extending the knee and are essential for activities like walking, running, and jumping. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not anterior muscles of the thigh. Gluteus maximus is a muscle located in the buttocks, biceps femoris is a muscle of the posterior thigh, and adductor magnus is a muscle of the medial thigh.

3. Which organ system is largely responsible for controlling stress?

A. The endocrine system
B. The digestive system
C. The lymphatic system
D. The respiratory system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The endocrine system is largely responsible for controlling stress through the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones help regulate the body's response to stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy production. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in the body's stress response and helps the body adapt to and cope with stressful situations. The digestive system (Choice B) is primarily responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, not controlling stress. The lymphatic system (Choice C) is responsible for immune function and maintaining fluid balance, not controlling stress. The respiratory system (Choice D) is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, not controlling stress.

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

A. To filter blood and remove old red blood cells
B. To produce white blood cells
C. To store lymphocytes
D. To produce antibodies

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.

5. Which of the following endocrine system glands releases the thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone?

A. Thymus
B. Pituitary gland
C. Pineal gland
D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for releasing key hormones like thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. These hormones play essential roles in regulating various body functions by influencing the activities of other endocrine glands. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the thymus is involved in immune function, the pituitary gland releases different hormones, and the pineal gland primarily produces melatonin, not the hormones mentioned in the question.