which structure in the brain is responsible for regulating hunger and thirst
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which brain structure is responsible for regulating hunger and thirst?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the hypothalamus. This brain structure plays a crucial role in regulating hunger, thirst, body temperature, and various autonomic functions. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis by responding to sensory signals and releasing appropriate hormones to control these essential physiological processes. The cerebellum (Choice B) is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, not hunger and thirst. The medulla oblongata (Choice C) is responsible for regulating vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heartbeat, but not hunger and thirst. The cerebrum (Choice D) is involved in higher brain functions such as thinking, decision-making, and processing sensory information, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating hunger and thirst.

2. Which is an anterior feature of the human head?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nose is an anterior feature of the human head, located in the frontal part of the face. It plays a vital role in the respiratory system by allowing air to enter and exit the body. Additionally, the nose contains olfactory receptors that enable the sense of smell. The ears, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe are not anterior features of the human head. The ears are located on the sides, the occipital lobe is at the back of the head, and the temporal lobe is on the sides and base of the cerebral cortex.

3. What is the role of enzymes in the body?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate and speed up chemical reactions in the body. They do not produce energy but enable various processes such as digestion and metabolism by lowering the activation energy required for reactions to occur. Choice A is incorrect because enzymes do not produce energy themselves but assist in energy production through reactions. Choice C is incorrect as enzymes do not primarily function in transporting molecules, although some may have a role in specific transport processes. Choice D is incorrect as the primary role of enzymes is not to repair tissues, but rather to catalyze biochemical reactions.

4. What are the chemical messengers that control growth, differentiation, and metabolism of specific target cells called?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands in multicellular organisms. They travel through the bloodstream to specific target cells where they regulate various physiological processes, including growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Neurons (choice B) are nerve cells that transmit nerve impulses and are not responsible for controlling growth, differentiation, or metabolism. Glands (choice C) produce and release hormones but are not the chemical messengers themselves. Second messengers (choice D) are molecules involved in intracellular signal transduction, not the primary chemical messengers controlling growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Therefore, hormones (choice A) are the correct answer as they match the description provided in the question.

5. Which of the following statements best describes endocrine glands?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'They secrete chemicals into the blood.' Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions. This process helps in maintaining homeostasis and coordinating different physiological processes within the body. Choice A is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the blood; instead, they release hormones. Choice C is incorrect as endocrine glands do not filter chemicals from the blood; they secrete hormones. Choice D is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the lymphatic system; they release hormones into the bloodstream.

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