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. Through which organ do muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis?
- A. Mouth
- B. Small intestine
- C. Epiglottis
- D. Esophagus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Esophagus. Muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis in the esophagus. Peristalsis is a coordinated muscular contraction that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. The rhythmic contractions of the esophageal muscles create a wave-like motion that propels food downward toward the stomach for digestion. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the mouth is where digestion begins but does not push food into the stomach, the small intestine is mainly responsible for absorbing nutrients, and the epiglottis is a flap that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing, not involved in pushing food into the stomach.
3. Which organ system is primarily responsible for storing minerals?
- A. The skeletal system
- B. The endocrine system
- C. The lymphatic system
- D. The cardiovascular system
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The skeletal system is primarily responsible for storing minerals in the body. Bones serve as a storage site for essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are important for various bodily functions including bone strength, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling. The minerals stored in bones can be released into the bloodstream as needed to maintain optimal mineral levels in the body. The endocrine system is responsible for hormone regulation, not mineral storage. The lymphatic system is involved in immune function and fluid balance, not mineral storage. The cardiovascular system is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body, not storing minerals.
4. A person who has damage to their ulnar nerve will have decreased sensation in which part of the body?
- A. Hand
- B. Arm
- C. Leg
- D. Foot
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Damage to the ulnar nerve typically results in decreased sensation in the hand, particularly affecting the little finger and half of the ring finger. The ulnar nerve innervates the hand and is responsible for providing sensation to these areas. This nerve does not extend to the leg or foot, so choices C and D are incorrect. While the ulnar nerve travels through the arm, its primary sensory impact is felt in the hand, making choice B less specific and therefore not the best answer.
5. Which part of the respiratory system is in the upper respiratory tract?
- A. Bronchioles
- B. Alveolar ducts
- C. Alveoli
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The upper respiratory tract includes structures such as the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. These structures are responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air. The lower respiratory tract comprises the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. Bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli are all part of the lower respiratory system, involved in gas exchange. Therefore, the correct answer is 'None of the above' as none of the listed options are part of the upper respiratory tract.
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