how does a sagittal section divide the body

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2

1. How does a sagittal section divide the body?

A. Into right and left regions
B. Into upper and lower regions
C. Into front and back regions
D. Between the dorsal and ventral cavities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A sagittal section divides the body into right and left regions. This type of section runs longitudinally from front to back, separating the body into right and left halves. Sagittal sections are crucial for understanding the anatomical structure and orientation of various body parts. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a sagittal section specifically divides the body into right and left portions, not upper and lower regions, front and back regions, or between the dorsal and ventral cavities.

2. Through which organ do muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis?

A. Mouth
B. Small intestine
C. Epiglottis
D. Esophagus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Esophagus. Muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis in the esophagus. Peristalsis is a coordinated muscular contraction that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. The rhythmic contractions of the esophageal muscles create a wave-like motion that propels food downward toward the stomach for digestion. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the mouth is where digestion begins but does not push food into the stomach, the small intestine is mainly responsible for absorbing nutrients, and the epiglottis is a flap that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing, not involved in pushing food into the stomach.

3. What role does the liver play in metabolism?

A. Storing glucose
B. Secreting bile
C. Detoxifying harmful substances
D. Producing enzymes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Producing enzymes. The liver is involved in metabolism by producing enzymes that are essential for regulating various metabolic processes in the body. While the liver does store glucose, secrete bile, and detoxify harmful substances, its primary role in metabolism is producing enzymes that facilitate biochemical reactions necessary for energy production, nutrient breakdown, and waste elimination. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because although the liver performs these functions, they are not directly related to its primary role in metabolism, which is producing enzymes.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate?

A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Frontal lobe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brain stem, is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. It contains vital centers that control these essential functions to maintain life. The cerebrum is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements; the cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movement and balance; and the frontal lobe is responsible for functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and voluntary muscle movements. Therefore, the correct answer is the medulla oblongata (Choice C).

5. Which brain structure is responsible for regulating hunger and thirst?

A. Hypothalamus
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Cerebrum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the hypothalamus. This brain structure plays a crucial role in regulating hunger, thirst, body temperature, and various autonomic functions. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis by responding to sensory signals and releasing appropriate hormones to control these essential physiological processes. The cerebellum (Choice B) is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, not hunger and thirst. The medulla oblongata (Choice C) is responsible for regulating vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heartbeat, but not hunger and thirst. The cerebrum (Choice D) is involved in higher brain functions such as thinking, decision-making, and processing sensory information, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating hunger and thirst.