which hormone is responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells?

A. Insulin
B. Erythropoietin
C. Glucagon
D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Erythropoietin is the correct answer. It is the hormone responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. This hormone promotes the generation of more red blood cells to increase the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Insulin (Choice A), Glucagon (Choice C), and Thyroxine (Choice D) do not stimulate the production of red blood cells. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, Glucagon increases blood sugar levels, and Thyroxine regulates metabolism.

2. What type of joint is found at the elbow?

A. Ball and socket
B. Hinge
C. Pivot
D. Saddle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hinge. A hinge joint, such as the one found at the elbow, allows for movement primarily in one plane, enabling flexion and extension similar to the movement of a door hinge. This joint structure permits bending and straightening of the arm, controlling the range of motion in a specific direction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A ball and socket joint allows for multi-axial movement like the hip joint, a pivot joint allows for rotation around an axis like the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae, and a saddle joint allows for movement in two planes at right angles to each other like the joint at the base of the thumb.

3. 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.

4. What is the main function of the respiratory system?

A. To transport nutrients
B. To regulate body temperature
C. To absorb oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
D. To produce energy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the respiratory system is to absorb oxygen from the air into the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, the process through which cells generate energy. Carbon dioxide is a waste product expelled during this process. Choice A, 'To transport nutrients,' is incorrect as the respiratory system is not primarily responsible for transporting nutrients. Choice B, 'To regulate body temperature,' is incorrect as the respiratory system's main role is not temperature regulation. Choice D, 'To produce energy,' is incorrect because while oxygen obtained through respiration is used in the energy production process, the respiratory system itself does not directly produce energy.

5. Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?

A. Veins
B. Arteries
C. Capillaries
D. Nerves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. They have thick, muscular walls to withstand the high pressure generated by the heart's contractions, ensuring efficient transport of blood throughout the body. Veins, on the other hand, carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, while capillaries facilitate the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the blood and tissues. Nerves are not involved in the transport of blood.