HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023
1. What is the function of the stomach in the digestive system?
- A. To absorb nutrients
- B. To break down food
- C. To produce bile
- D. To store waste
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To break down food.' The stomach plays a crucial role in the digestive system by breaking down food using gastric acid and digestive enzymes. This process transforms the food into a semi-liquid mixture known as chyme, which is further digested in the small intestine. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the stomach does not primarily absorb nutrients, produce bile, or store waste. These functions are carried out by other organs in the digestive system such as the small intestine, liver, and large intestine, respectively.
2. What is the function of the adrenal glands?
- A. To regulate blood sugar
- B. To produce hormones
- C. To produce red blood cells
- D. To filter blood
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The adrenal glands function to produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones play essential roles in regulating metabolism, immune response, and the body's response to stress. Therefore, the correct answer is that the adrenal glands produce hormones. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as regulating blood sugar is primarily done by the pancreas, producing red blood cells is the function of the bone marrow, and filtering blood is carried out by the kidneys, not the adrenal glands.
3. Which is a secondary defense for the body against pathogens?
- A. Tears
- B. Urine
- C. Inflammation
- D. Mucus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Inflammation is a secondary defense mechanism for the body against pathogens. When tissues are injured or infected, inflammation occurs as a protective response involving increased blood flow, white blood cell migration, and tissue repair. This process helps contain and eliminate pathogens, preventing them from spreading further in the body. Tears (Choice A) are a primary defense containing lysozyme and other antimicrobial agents. Urine (Choice B) is typically considered a non-specific defense mechanism due to its flushing action in the urinary tract. Mucus (Choice D) acts as a physical barrier and traps pathogens, also considered a primary defense mechanism.
4. 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.
5. Which vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy skin and vision?
- A. Vitamin C
- B. Vitamin A
- C. Vitamin D
- D. Vitamin K
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin A is the correct answer. It is essential for maintaining healthy skin and vision, especially in low-light conditions. Vitamin A helps in the production of retinal pigments necessary for vision in dim light and supports skin health by promoting cell turnover and repair. Choice A, Vitamin C, is important for the immune system and collagen production but is not specifically known for maintaining skin and vision health. Choice C, Vitamin D, is crucial for bone health and immune function but is not directly related to skin and vision health. Choice D, Vitamin K, is necessary for blood clotting and bone health but does not play a significant role in maintaining healthy skin and vision.
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