what is the name of the structure that prevents food from entering the airway

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. 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.

2. Which of the following locations is not involved in the release of hormones during stress?

A. Parathyroid gland
B. Adrenal cortex
C. Posterior pituitary
D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The parathyroid gland is not involved in the release of hormones during stress. It is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood by secreting parathyroid hormone. During stress, the adrenal cortex, posterior pituitary, and hypothalamus play crucial roles in releasing stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and oxytocin. Therefore, the correct answer is the parathyroid gland, as it is not directly associated with the release of stress-related hormones.

3. What is the function of the lungs in the respiratory system?

A. To filter blood
B. To exchange gases
C. To produce energy
D. To remove waste products

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct function of the lungs in the respiratory system is to exchange gases. The lungs facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe in and the blood, ensuring oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is removed during respiration. Choice A is incorrect as the kidneys, not the lungs, filter blood. Choice C is incorrect as energy production primarily occurs in cells, not in the lungs. Choice D is incorrect as waste removal, such as the excretion of carbon dioxide, is a function of the lungs, but the primary function is the exchange of gases.

4. Which gland controls Calciferol?

A. Thyroid
B. Pituitary
C. Parathyroid
D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Calciferol, commonly known as Vitamin D, is regulated by the parathyroid gland, not the thyroid, pituitary, or hypothalamus. The parathyroid gland plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium and phosphorus balance in the body by regulating the production of calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D. This hormone helps in the absorption of calcium from the intestines and its reabsorption in the kidneys to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood. Therefore, the correct answer is the Parathyroid gland (Choice C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not have a direct role in controlling Calciferol.

5. Which hormone is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle?

A. Melatonin
B. Thyroxine
C. Insulin
D. Cortisol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, regulates the sleep-wake cycle by responding to light and darkness in the environment. It plays a crucial role in signaling the body when it's time to sleep and wake up, helping to establish and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Thyroxine, Insulin, and Cortisol do not directly regulate the sleep-wake cycle, making them incorrect choices for this question.