HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology 2023

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To produce bile and detoxify substances. The liver plays a crucial role in producing bile, which aids in digestion by breaking down fats. It also detoxifies harmful substances in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the liver does not primarily filter blood, produce insulin, or produce red blood cells. Filtering blood is mainly done by the kidneys, insulin is produced by the pancreas, and red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The pituitary gland regulates metabolism by producing and secreting hormones that control various bodily functions. It plays a key role in growth, reproduction, and overall hormone balance. This is supported by its location in the brain, connected to the hypothalamus which controls hormone production. Other choices are incorrect: Bile is produced in the liver, blood filtration is mainly done by the kidneys, and muscle movement is controlled by the nervous system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism by controlling the body's energy production and utilization. The pituitary gland (A) regulates various other hormones but not specifically metabolism. The adrenal gland (C) produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are involved in stress response, not metabolism. The pineal gland (D) produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, not metabolism. Therefore, the thyroid gland is the correct answer as it directly controls metabolic functions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood. It does so by increasing calcium absorption in the intestines, reabsorption in the kidneys, and release from bones. Insulin (choice A) regulates blood sugar, not calcium. Cortisol (choice C) is a stress hormone and does not directly affect calcium levels. Melatonin (choice D) regulates sleep-wake cycles and does not play a role in calcium regulation. Therefore, the correct choice is B as it directly influences calcium levels in the blood.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Retina. The retina contains specialized cells called cones that are responsible for color vision. Cones are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, allowing us to perceive colors. The cornea (A) focuses light onto the retina, the iris (B) controls the amount of light entering the eye, and the lens (D) helps to focus light onto the retina, but they do not directly contribute to color vision.