HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam
1. When are gallstones most problematic?
- A. When they block a duct
- B. When they contain cholesterol
- C. When they contain bilirubin
- D. When they begin to dissolve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Gallstones become most problematic when they block a duct, such as the bile duct or cystic duct. This blockage can lead to various complications, including inflammation, infection, and even damage to the gallbladder or liver. In severe cases, a blocked duct can cause intense pain, jaundice, and other serious symptoms that require medical intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the presence of cholesterol or bilirubin in gallstones or the process of dissolution do not necessarily indicate when gallstones become most problematic. The critical issue arises when the stones obstruct a duct, leading to complications.
2. Which brain structure is responsible for regulating hunger and thirst?
- A. Hypothalamus
- B. Cerebellum
- C. Medulla oblongata
- D. Cerebrum
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the hypothalamus. This brain structure plays a crucial role in regulating hunger, thirst, body temperature, and various autonomic functions. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis by responding to sensory signals and releasing appropriate hormones to control these essential physiological processes. The cerebellum (Choice B) is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, not hunger and thirst. The medulla oblongata (Choice C) is responsible for regulating vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heartbeat, but not hunger and thirst. The cerebrum (Choice D) is involved in higher brain functions such as thinking, decision-making, and processing sensory information, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating hunger and thirst.
3. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating body temperature?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Cerebellum
- C. Brainstem
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, along with controlling other autonomic functions like hunger, thirst, and sleep. It acts as the body's internal thermostat, helping to maintain a stable internal environment despite external temperature changes. The cerebrum is mainly associated with functions like thinking, perception, and voluntary movements, making it unrelated to regulating body temperature. The cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating body temperature. The brainstem is essential for basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating body temperature.
4. What is the name of the outermost layer of the skin?
- A. dermis
- B. epidermis
- C. subcutaneous tissue
- D. hypodermis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The epidermis is the correct answer as it is the outermost layer of the skin. It acts as a protective barrier against environmental factors and helps in regulating moisture balance. The epidermis is also where new skin cells are continuously formed and contains melanocytes responsible for skin pigmentation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis, the subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer of the skin, and the hypodermis lies below the dermis.
5. Which cellular structure is responsible for producing energy?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Mitochondria
- C. Ribosome
- D. Golgi apparatus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing energy in the cell through a process called cellular respiration. They are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell due to their role in generating ATP, the cell's energy currency. The nucleus is not involved in energy production but houses the cell's genetic material. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not energy production. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins for secretion, not energy production.
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