HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam
1. To which system do the retinas belong?
- A. skeletal system
- B. nervous system
- C. lymphatic system
- D. circulatory system
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The retinas belong to the nervous system. The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for detecting light and sending visual information to the brain through the optic nerve. This process is essential for vision, which is controlled by the nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the retinas have no association with the skeletal, lymphatic, or circulatory systems.
2. When an individual is under stress, hormones are released. Which of the following is not one of the locations where hormones are released when under stress?
- A. Parathyroid gland
- B. Adrenal cortex
- C. Posterior pituitary
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The parathyroid gland is not a location where hormones are typically released during stress. It primarily regulates calcium levels in the blood through the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). On the other hand, the adrenal cortex releases hormones like cortisol in response to stress, the posterior pituitary releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone, and the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in coordinating stress responses through the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Therefore, the parathyroid gland is the correct answer as it is not directly involved in the stress response pathway.
3. Which structure in the ear is responsible for balance?
- A. Cochlea
- B. Semicircular canals
- C. Ossicles
- D. Eustachian tube
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The semicircular canals in the inner ear are responsible for maintaining balance by detecting changes in head position and movement. These structures contain fluid and hair cells that send signals to the brain regarding the body's orientation in space, helping us stay balanced and navigate our surroundings. The cochlea is responsible for hearing, the ossicles are involved in sound transmission, and the Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear, but they are not directly related to balance.
4. 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.
5. Which gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Adrenal gland
- C. Pituitary gland
- D. Pineal gland
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that regulate many bodily functions, making it a central and vital component of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland (Choice A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like adrenaline, and the pineal gland (Choice D) secretes melatonin, but none of these glands are considered the 'master gland' that controls the functions of other endocrine glands.
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