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. When an individual is under stress, hormones are released. Which of the following is not one of the locations in which hormones are released when under stress?
- A. Posterior pituitary
- B. Hypothalamus
- C. Adrenal cortex
- D. Parathyroid
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During stress, hormones are released from the adrenal cortex, posterior pituitary, and hypothalamus to help the body respond. The parathyroid gland, however, is not typically involved in the stress response by releasing hormones. The posterior pituitary releases hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin, the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin, while the adrenal cortex releases cortisol and aldosterone in response to stress. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Parathyroid.'
3. Which gland is located superior to the kidney?
- A. Pituitary
- B. Adrenal
- C. Hypothalamus
- D. Pancreas
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The adrenal gland is located superior to the kidney. Each kidney is surrounded by an adrenal gland, also known as the suprarenal gland, situated on top of the kidneys. The pituitary gland (A) is located in the brain, while the hypothalamus (C) is also in the brain, above the pituitary gland. The pancreas (D) is located in the abdomen, near the stomach and small intestine, not superior to the kidney.
4. Which hormone is produced by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?
- A. Glucagon
- B. Insulin
- C. Cortisol
- D. Melatonin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insulin. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is the hormone responsible for lowering blood glucose levels. It achieves this by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby reducing the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. Choice A, Glucagon, is actually a hormone produced by the pancreas that works to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. Choice C, Cortisol, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas, and is involved in stress response and regulation of metabolism. Choice D, Melatonin, is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not directly involved in blood glucose level regulation.
5. What is the name of the structure that prevents food from entering the airway?
- A. trachea
- B. esophagus
- C. diaphragm
- D. epiglottis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the airway. It acts as a lid over the trachea during swallowing, directing food to the esophagus instead of the windpipe (trachea). The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that allows air to pass into the lungs, the esophagus (Choice B) is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, and the diaphragm (Choice C) is a muscle involved in breathing and not in preventing food passage.
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