how might vitamin d deficiency present

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2

1. How might vitamin D deficiency present?

A. As bleeding gums
B. As swollen extremities
C. As red patches
D. As crooked bones

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin D deficiency can present as crooked bones in children due to a condition called rickets. This is because vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to soft and weak bones, resulting in skeletal deformities such as bow legs or knock knees. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as bleeding gums are more commonly associated with vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), swollen extremities could be a sign of various conditions like edema, and red patches are not typically a direct manifestation of vitamin D deficiency.

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 is the primary function of the heart?

A. To filter blood
B. To transport oxygen and nutrients
C. To remove waste
D. To regulate temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the heart is to pump oxygenated blood and nutrients throughout the body, supplying cells with vital substances. Choice A is incorrect as the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood. Choice C is incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by organs like the kidneys and liver. Choice D is incorrect as regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by mechanisms such as sweating and shivering, not the heart.

4. What is the function of the adrenal glands?

A. To regulate blood sugar
B. To produce hormones
C. To produce red blood cells
D. To filter blood

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The adrenal glands function to produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones play essential roles in regulating metabolism, immune response, and the body's response to stress. Therefore, the correct answer is that the adrenal glands produce hormones. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as regulating blood sugar is primarily done by the pancreas, producing red blood cells is the function of the bone marrow, and filtering blood is carried out by the kidneys, not the adrenal glands.

5. The orthopedic surgeon informs you that you have broken the middle region of the humerus. What area is he describing?

A. Epiphysis
B. Articular cartilage
C. Perichondrium
D. Diaphysis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The diaphysis is the correct answer in this scenario. It refers to the middle or shaft region of a long bone like the humerus. The epiphysis is the end of a long bone, while articular cartilage is the smooth tissue covering the ends of bones at a joint. The perichondrium is the dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds cartilage.