Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

Anatomy & Physiology

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

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Multiple Choice

Which gland is primarily responsible for controlling involuntary body functions, such as your heartbeat?

Thyroid gland

Hypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal gland

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of glands in the endocrine system. Glands secrete hormones that regulate various physiological processes, including involuntary body functions such as heartbeat, respiration, and stress responses.

Step 2: Review the function of the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is located on top of the kidneys and is responsible for producing hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol, which play a key role in the body's fight-or-flight response, affecting involuntary functions such as heartbeat and blood pressure.

Step 3: Compare the adrenal gland's function with the other glands listed in the question. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, the hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland and links the nervous system to the endocrine system, and the pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' because it regulates other endocrine glands but does not directly control involuntary functions like heartbeat.

Step 4: Understand why the adrenal gland is the correct answer. Adrenaline released by the adrenal gland directly influences the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heartbeat and respiration.

Step 5: Conclude that the adrenal gland is primarily responsible for controlling involuntary body functions like heartbeat, based on its role in the endocrine system and its production of hormones that regulate these processes.