HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam
1. Where is a gallstone most likely to cause pain?
- A. In the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
- B. In the lower right quadrant of the abdomen
- C. In the umbilical region
- D. Along the pelvic girdle
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A gallstone is most likely to cause pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. This specific area corresponds to the location of the gallbladder. When a gallstone blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder, it can lead to inflammation and pain in this region. The pain may also radiate to the back or right shoulder blade due to referred pain patterns associated with gallbladder issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because gallstone pain is typically felt in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, not the lower right quadrant, umbilical region, or along the pelvic girdle.
2. Which enzyme functions to break down lactose, a specific sugar found in milk and dairy products?
- A. Catalase
- B. Lipase
- C. Protease
- D. Lactase
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Lactase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products. When lactase breaks down lactose, it splits it into two simpler sugars, glucose, and galactose, which can then be absorbed and used by the body. Catalase is involved in breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for the specific breakdown of lactose.
3. What is the role of the mitochondria in the cell?
- A. Protein synthesis
- B. Energy production
- C. Breaking down waste
- D. Cell division
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Energy production. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the process of cellular respiration. ATP is a molecule that stores and releases energy, providing the cell with the necessary energy for various activities and functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes, breaking down waste is mainly carried out by lysosomes, and cell division is orchestrated by the nucleus and other organelles like the centrioles.
4. What is the main function of the digestive system?
- A. To break down food and absorb nutrients
- B. To regulate body temperature
- C. To transport nutrients
- D. To produce hormones
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The main function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients through the process of digestion. Once the food is broken down, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the body for various functions. Choice B, regulating body temperature, is incorrect as it is the function of the body's thermoregulatory system, not the digestive system. Choice C, transporting nutrients, is incorrect as the digestive system primarily focuses on breaking down and absorbing nutrients rather than transporting them. Choice D, producing hormones, is also incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands and not the digestive system.
5. Which of the following is not part of the axial skeletal system?
- A. the skull
- B. the ribs
- C. the breastbone
- D. the radius
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the radius. The axial skeleton comprises bones located along the central axis of the body. It includes the skull, ribs, breastbone (sternum), vertebrae, and sacrum. The radius, on the other hand, is a bone of the forearm, part of the appendicular skeleton. The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the limbs and their girdles, not the central axial bones.
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