HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
- A. To transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
- B. To regulate body temperature
- C. To fight infections
- D. To produce energy
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 involved in the body's stress response?
- A. Insulin
- B. Adrenaline
- C. Cortisol
- D. Melatonin
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cortisol. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, is involved in the body's stress response. It helps regulate metabolism, immune function, and the body's response to stressors by increasing blood sugar levels, suppressing the immune system, and aiding in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Choice A, Insulin, is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and is not primarily involved in the stress response. Choice B, Adrenaline, is also known as epinephrine and is involved in the fight-or-flight response, which is related to stress but is not the main hormone in the body's stress response. Choice D, Melatonin, is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not directly involved in the stress response.
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 hormone is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels?
- A. Insulin
- B. Glucagon
- C. Thyroxine
- D. Melatonin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. It works by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, helping to lower blood sugar levels. Glucagon, on the other hand, works to increase blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, is not responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Therefore, the correct answer is insulin.
5. 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.
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