HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
1. What are the chemical messengers that control growth, differentiation, and metabolism of specific target cells called?
- A. Hormones
- B. Neurons
- C. Glands
- D. Second messengers
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands in multicellular organisms. They travel through the bloodstream to specific target cells where they regulate various physiological processes, including growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Neurons (choice B) are nerve cells that transmit nerve impulses and are not responsible for controlling growth, differentiation, or metabolism. Glands (choice C) produce and release hormones but are not the chemical messengers themselves. Second messengers (choice D) are molecules involved in intracellular signal transduction, not the primary chemical messengers controlling growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Therefore, hormones (choice A) are the correct answer as they match the description provided in the question.
2. Which of the following endocrine system glands releases the thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones?
- A. Thymus
- B. Pituitary gland
- C. Pineal gland
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for releasing various essential hormones, including thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones. These hormones play crucial roles in regulating the functions of other endocrine glands by stimulating or inhibiting their hormone production. The Thymus (choice A) is primarily involved in the immune system, the Pituitary gland (choice B) secretes various hormones but not the ones specified in the question, and the Pineal gland (choice C) mainly produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, and is not related to the hormones mentioned in the question.
3. What is the primary function of the heart in the circulatory system?
- A. To filter blood
- B. To pump blood throughout the body
- C. To absorb oxygen
- D. To remove carbon dioxide
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To pump blood throughout the body.' The primary function of the heart in the circulatory system is to pump blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, throughout the body. Choice A, 'To filter blood,' is incorrect as the heart does not filter blood; that is primarily done by the kidneys. Choice C, 'To absorb oxygen,' is incorrect as the lungs are responsible for oxygen absorption. Choice D, 'To remove carbon dioxide,' is incorrect as the lungs facilitate the removal of carbon dioxide from the body.
4. What is the primary function of the pancreas in digestion?
- A. To absorb nutrients
- B. To secrete digestive enzymes
- C. To produce bile
- D. To store glucose
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To secrete digestive enzymes. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the process of breaking down food particles into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body for nutrients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary function of the pancreas is not to absorb nutrients, produce bile, or store glucose in digestion.
5. Which muscle is responsible for breathing?
- A. Diaphragm
- B. Intercostal muscles
- C. Rectus abdominis
- D. Pectoralis major
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing inhalation. When it relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing exhalation. The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, assist the diaphragm in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity. The rectus abdominis and pectoralis major are not directly involved in the process of breathing.
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