what is the function of the respiratory system
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the bloodstream. Oxygen is taken in during inhalation and transported to cells, while carbon dioxide is removed during exhalation as a waste product of cellular metabolism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary function of the respiratory system. Regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by the thermoregulatory system, fighting infections is a function of the immune system, and producing energy is primarily done by the metabolic system.

2. Which hormone is released by the adrenal medulla?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine), which is released by the adrenal medulla during the body's fight-or-flight response. Adrenaline helps prepare the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating air passages, and mobilizing glucose and fats for energy, among other physiological responses. Choice A, Cortisol, is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal cortex involved in the stress response and regulation of metabolism. Choice C, Insulin, is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels. Choice D, Somatostatin, is a hormone that inhibits the release of several other hormones in the body, but it is not released by the adrenal medulla.

3. What structures are likely torn in a rotator cuff tear?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a rotator cuff tear, the most common structures torn are the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. In severe cases, the tear may also extend to involve the surrounding ligaments. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it accurately represents the structures that are likely to be affected in a rotator cuff tear. Choice B is incorrect as muscles are not typically torn in a rotator cuff tear. Choice C is also incorrect as ligaments are not the primary structures involved in a rotator cuff tear. Choice D is incorrect because a rotator cuff tear typically involves more than just the tendons.

4. Which of the following processes represents a different level of defense compared to the others?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Among the listed processes, low pH in the stomach, cilia in the trachea, and mucus in the nasal cavity serve as physical barriers that form the first line of defense against pathogens. These barriers work to block pathogens from entering the body. On the other hand, body cells recognizing a pathogen involves the immune response, which operates at a different level of defense. This process is part of the adaptive immune response, where the body's immune cells identify, target, and eliminate specific pathogens to provide a specialized defense after the pathogens have breached the physical barriers. Therefore, body cells recognizing a pathogen represent a different level of defense compared to the other listed processes.

5. The coronal plane of the body may also be called the ___________ plane.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: frontal. The coronal plane of the body is also known as the frontal plane. This plane divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) sections. It is perpendicular to the sagittal plane and divides the body into front and back portions. The term 'coronal' is often used in radiology and anatomy to describe this specific anatomical plane. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions, the median plane is another name for the sagittal plane, and the axial plane is a term less commonly used to describe an anatomical plane.

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