HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
1. What condition might result from a lack of vitamin C?
- A. Kwashiorkor
- B. Pellagra
- C. Rickets
- D. Scurvy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Scurvy is the correct answer. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to symptoms such as weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and easy bruising. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to more severe complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition due to insufficient protein intake, pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), and rickets results from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.
2. Which of the following describes the process of osmosis?
- A. Diffusion of solutes across a membrane
- B. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane
- C. Movement of gases across a membrane
- D. Active transport of ions across a membrane
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Osmosis is the process where water molecules move across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This movement of water helps to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane. The correct description of osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, making choice B the right answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, not solutes, gases, or ions across a membrane.
3. What is the primary function of the digestive system?
- A. To transport oxygen
- B. To break down food and absorb nutrients
- C. To produce hormones
- D. To transport blood
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the digestive system is to break down food into smaller molecules and absorb nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These nutrients are then utilized by the body for energy, growth, and repair. The digestive system plays a crucial role in the process of extracting essential components from food and distributing them to the body's cells through the bloodstream. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because transporting oxygen, producing hormones, and transporting blood are functions associated with other body systems like the respiratory system, endocrine system, and circulatory system, respectively, not the digestive system.
4. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating body temperature?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Cerebellum
- C. Brainstem
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, along with controlling other autonomic functions like hunger, thirst, and sleep. It acts as the body's internal thermostat, helping to maintain a stable internal environment despite external temperature changes. The cerebrum is mainly associated with functions like thinking, perception, and voluntary movements, making it unrelated to regulating body temperature. The cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating body temperature. The brainstem is essential for basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating body temperature.
5. Which gland is responsible for regulating metabolism and calcium levels?
- A. Pituitary gland
- B. Adrenal gland
- C. Thyroid gland
- D. Pineal gland
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is the thyroid gland (Choice C). The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism by producing hormones like thyroxine, which control the body's metabolic rate. It also helps in controlling calcium levels in the blood through the release of calcitonin. The pituitary gland (Choice A) is known as the 'master gland' as it controls other glands but is not primarily responsible for regulating metabolism and calcium levels. The adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are involved in the stress response and metabolism, but they do not specifically regulate calcium levels. The pineal gland (Choice D) mainly produces melatonin, a hormone that helps in regulating sleep-wake cycles and has no direct role in metabolism or calcium level regulation.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
HESI A2 Basic
$99/ 30 days
- 3,000 Questions with answers
- 30 days access
HESI A2 Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- Actual HESI A2 Questions
- 3,000 questions with answers
- 90 days access