how does the skeletal system work with the nervous system

HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam

1. How does the skeletal system work with the nervous system?

A. The bones transmit signals about body position to the brain.
B. Pain nerves within bones notify the brain of injuries.
C. The vertebrae of the spine protect the spinal cord.
D. Bone marrow generates and houses nerve cells.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The skeletal system collaborates with the nervous system by providing protection and support for critical nervous system components. The vertebrae of the spine play a crucial role in safeguarding the spinal cord, a key component of the nervous system responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the body. Protecting the spinal cord is essential to prevent neurological complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while bones do play a role in body position and can sense pain, the primary focus of the skeletal system's interaction with the nervous system is to protect vital components like the spinal cord, rather than generating nerve cells.

2. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as the control center for automatic functions necessary for survival, making it the correct choice in this scenario. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, so it does not control basic physiological functions like breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, while the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically breathing and heart rate.

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. A tissue examined under the microscope exhibits the following characteristics: cells found on the internal surface of the stomach, no extracellular matrix, cells tall and thin, and no blood vessels in the tissue. What type of tissue is this?

A. Epithelial
B. Connective
C. Muscle
D. Cartilage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Epithelial.' Epithelial tissue is characterized by cells that cover internal and external surfaces, such as the lining of the stomach. It lacks an extracellular matrix, has tall and thin cells, and does not contain blood vessels. The other choices are incorrect because connective tissue typically has an extracellular matrix, muscle tissue is composed of contractile cells, and cartilage is a type of connective tissue with a specific extracellular matrix and cell arrangement.

5. Which type of tissue connects bones to other bones?

A. Tendons
B. Ligaments
C. Cartilage
D. Muscles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ligaments. Ligaments are tough, flexible connective tissues that connect bones to other bones, providing stability and support to joints. Tendons (choice A) connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. Cartilage (choice C) is a firm, rubbery material that cushions bones at joints. Muscles (choice D) are contractile tissues responsible for movement. Therefore, when looking for the tissue that connects bones to other bones, ligaments are the most appropriate choice.