Which of the following best describes the function of the thyroid gland, adrenaline, insulin/glucagon, cerebrum, and grommets?

• C
  • The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine, which regulate metabolism. Prostate, salivary, and sweat glands are primarily exocrine glands.

1.1.2 Adrenaline causes vasoconstriction in the skin and increases the conversion of glycogen to glucose for energy.

• D
  • Adrenaline (epinephrine) prepares the body for "fight or flight" by constricting blood vessels in the skin (i) and speeding up the conversion of glycogen to glucose (iii) to provide quick energy. It also increases the breathing rate, not reduces it.

1.1.3 Insulin lowers blood glucose, while glucagon and adrenaline raise it.

• B
  • Insulin decreases blood glucose, glucagon increases it, and adrenalin also increases it during stress. Thyroxin affects metabolism generally, and aldosterone regulates mineral balance, not primarily blood glucose.

1.1.4 The cerebrum is responsible for processing sensory information, including visual impulses.

• A
  • The cerebrum, specifically the occipital lobe, is where visual impulses are processed. The cerebellum controls coordination, the medulla oblongata regulates vital functions, and the hypothalamus controls homeostasis.

1.1.5 A grommet is inserted into the tympanic membrane to ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid buildup.

• B
  • A grommet (tympanostomy tube) is inserted to allow air to continuously enter the middle ear, which helps to equalize pressure and drain fluid, often used for recurrent middle ear infections.