HESI A2
Anatomy and Physiology Hesi A2 Practice Test
1. Which of the following is not part of the central nervous system?
- A. Retina
- B. Spinal cord
- C. Brain
- D. Heart
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and coordinating information. The retina is part of the eye, while the heart is part of the circulatory system. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Spinal cord' as it is not part of the central nervous system.
2. Which enzyme functions to break down lactose, a specific sugar found in milk and dairy products?
- A. Catalase
- B. Lipase
- C. Protease
- D. Lactase
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Lactase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products. When lactase breaks down lactose, it splits it into two simpler sugars, glucose, and galactose, which can then be absorbed and used by the body. Catalase is involved in breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for the specific breakdown of lactose.
3. Which hormone is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?
- A. Insulin
- B. Glucagon
- C. Somatostatin
- D. Cortisol
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. It promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, reducing blood sugar levels. Glucagon, on the other hand, works to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into glucose and releasing it into the bloodstream. Somatostatin regulates the endocrine system and inhibits the release of insulin and glucagon. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas, and it plays a role in stress response and metabolism, but it does not directly lower blood glucose levels.
4. Which organ is responsible for the production of insulin?
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Pituitary gland
- C. Pancreas
- D. Adrenal gland
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Insulin is crucial for maintaining proper blood sugar levels and is produced by specialized cells within the pancreas known as beta cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland do not produce insulin. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the pituitary gland releases various hormones that control other glands, and the adrenal gland produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
5. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?
- A. To transport oxygen and nutrients
- B. To remove waste products
- C. To regulate body temperature
- D. To fight infections
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "To transport oxygen and nutrients." The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells throughout the body and remove waste products. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by delivering essential substances to tissues and organs while eliminating metabolic waste. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although the cardiovascular system indirectly helps in removing waste products through circulation, its primary function is focused on transporting essential substances and not on regulating body temperature or fighting infections.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access