enlargement of the thyroid commonly known as a goiter might be expected to affect

HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

1. Enlargement of the thyroid, commonly known as a goiter, might be expected to affect ___________.

A. swallowing
B. insulin levels
C. sleep
D. digestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enlargement of the thyroid, known as a goiter, can compress the nearby structures in the neck, including the esophagus. This compression can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or a sensation of pressure in the throat. Therefore, an enlarged thyroid gland is expected to affect swallowing. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a goiter primarily affects structures in the neck due to its physical enlargement, rather than directly impacting insulin levels, sleep, or digestion.

2. Which type of muscle tissue is voluntary?

A. Cardiac muscle
B. Skeletal muscle
C. Smooth muscle
D. Striated muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is a type of voluntary muscle tissue, allowing conscious control over its movement. Unlike smooth and cardiac muscle, which are involuntary, skeletal muscle is under direct voluntary control. Cardiac muscle (choice A) is involuntary and found in the heart. Smooth muscle (choice C) is also involuntary and found in the walls of internal organs. While skeletal muscle is striated (contains stripes), choice D is not the best answer as it does not specifically address the voluntary nature of skeletal muscle.

3. Which structure in the kidney is responsible for filtering blood?

A. Glomerulus
B. Bowman's capsule
C. Loop of Henle
D. Collecting duct

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The glomerulus is the correct answer. It is a vital structure in the kidney responsible for filtering blood. The glomerulus is a network of capillaries that filters waste products and excess substances from the blood to form urine. While the Bowman's capsule, Loop of Henle, and Collecting duct are also essential components of the nephron, the primary site of blood filtration occurs at the glomerulus. The Bowman's capsule surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtered fluid, the Loop of Henle reabsorbs water and important ions, and the Collecting duct further concentrates the urine, but none of these structures are primarily responsible for filtering blood as the glomerulus is.

4. What is the function of platelets in the blood?

A. Transporting oxygen
B. Clotting blood
C. Fighting infection
D. Transporting nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are responsible for clotting blood. When there is an injury, platelets help form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding. This function is crucial in maintaining hemostasis and preventing hemorrhage. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Platelets do not transport oxygen, fight infection, or transport nutrients in the blood.

5. Which type of muscle tissue is under voluntary control?

A. Smooth muscle
B. Cardiac muscle
C. Skeletal muscle
D. Cardiac muscle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Skeletal muscle is under voluntary control, allowing conscious regulation for activities like walking and lifting. This type of muscle is attached to bones and is responsible for movement in the body. Smooth muscle (Choice A) is involuntary and found in organs like the stomach and intestines. Cardiac muscle (Choice B and D) is also involuntary and specific to the heart, contracting rhythmically to pump blood, but it is not under conscious control.