HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023
1. What is the function of the liver in digestion?
- A. To produce bile
- B. To store glucose
- C. To secrete digestive enzymes
- D. To detoxify harmful substances
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The liver's main role in digestion is to produce bile, a substance that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile emulsifies fats, helping enzymes break them down into smaller molecules for easier absorption in the digestive tract. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'To produce bile.' Storing glucose, secreting digestive enzymes, and detoxifying harmful substances are functions of the liver, but they are not primarily related to digestion.
2. How many different types of tissues are there in the human body?
- A. four
- B. six
- C. eight
- D. ten
Correct answer: A
Rationale: There are four major types of tissues in the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, connective tissue supports and binds other tissues together, muscle tissue enables movement, and nervous tissue allows for communication between different parts of the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the human body has four main types of tissues, not six, eight, or ten.
3. What is the function of the medulla oblongata in the brain?
- A. To control breathing and heart rate
- B. To regulate body temperature
- C. To coordinate voluntary movements
- D. To process sensory information
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To control breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata is a vital part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. These functions are crucial for maintaining life, and the medulla oblongata plays a key role in ensuring the body's survival. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus, coordinating voluntary movements is associated with the cerebellum and motor cortex, and processing sensory information is related to the thalamus and sensory cortex, not the medulla oblongata.
4. What is the function of the stomach in the digestive system?
- A. To absorb nutrients
- B. To break down food
- C. To produce bile
- D. To store waste
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To break down food.' The stomach plays a crucial role in the digestive system by breaking down food using gastric acid and digestive enzymes. This process transforms the food into a semi-liquid mixture known as chyme, which is further digested in the small intestine. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the stomach does not primarily absorb nutrients, produce bile, or store waste. These functions are carried out by other organs in the digestive system such as the small intestine, liver, and large intestine, respectively.
5. What is the primary function of the heart in the circulatory system?
- A. To filter blood
- B. To pump blood throughout the body
- C. To absorb oxygen
- D. To remove carbon dioxide
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To pump blood throughout the body.' The primary function of the heart in the circulatory system is to pump blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, throughout the body. Choice A, 'To filter blood,' is incorrect as the heart does not filter blood; that is primarily done by the kidneys. Choice C, 'To absorb oxygen,' is incorrect as the lungs are responsible for oxygen absorption. Choice D, 'To remove carbon dioxide,' is incorrect as the lungs facilitate the removal of carbon dioxide from the body.
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