HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
1. Which hormone initiates the preparation of the endometrium of the uterus for pregnancy?
- A. FSH
- B. Estrogen
- C. LH
- D. Progesterone
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Progesterone initiates the preparation of the endometrium of the uterus for pregnancy. It promotes the growth of blood vessels and glands in the endometrial lining, making it conducive for implantation and supporting early pregnancy. While estrogen helps in thickening the endometrium, it is progesterone that plays a crucial role in preparing it for pregnancy. FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) is involved in stimulating ovarian follicles, not directly in preparing the endometrium. LH (Luteinizing hormone) triggers ovulation but does not primarily prepare the endometrium for pregnancy.
2. Which plane would you use to separate the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity?
- A. Sagittal
- B. Transverse
- C. Frontal
- D. Coronal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal plane, runs horizontally from left to right, dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. This plane is ideal for separating the abdominal cavity (located below) from the thoracic cavity (located above). The sagittal plane (choice A) divides the body into left and right portions, the frontal plane (choice C) divides the body into front and back portions, and the coronal plane (choice D) is another term for the frontal plane. Therefore, when looking to separate the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity, the transverse plane is the most appropriate choice.
3. Which structure of the respiratory system is involved in gas exchange?
- A. Trachea
- B. Bronchioles
- C. Alveoli
- D. Larynx
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The alveoli are the primary site for gas exchange in the respiratory system. These tiny air sacs in the lungs are where oxygen is taken up into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released from the bloodstream into the lungs to be exhaled. The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that carries air to and from the lungs but is not directly involved in gas exchange. Bronchioles (Choice B) are smaller airway branches that lead to the alveoli but do not participate in gas exchange themselves. The larynx (Choice D) plays a role in producing sound and protecting the airway but is not primarily responsible for gas exchange.
4. Which of the following is not part of the axial skeletal system?
- A. the skull
- B. the ribs
- C. the breastbone
- D. the radius
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the radius. The axial skeleton comprises bones located along the central axis of the body. It includes the skull, ribs, breastbone (sternum), vertebrae, and sacrum. The radius, on the other hand, is a bone of the forearm, part of the appendicular skeleton. The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the limbs and their girdles, not the central axial bones.
5. What condition might result from a lack of vitamin C?
- A. Kwashiorkor
- B. Pellagra
- C. Rickets
- D. Scurvy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Scurvy is the correct answer. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to symptoms such as weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and easy bruising. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to more severe complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition due to insufficient protein intake, pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), and rickets results from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$99/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access @ $99
HESI A2 Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A 2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access @ $149.99