HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
1. 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.
2. Where does primary peristalsis occur?
- A. Esophagus
- B. Stomach
- C. Nervous system
- D. Small intestine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Primary peristalsis occurs in the esophagus. Peristalsis is the coordinated muscular contractions that propel food through the digestive tract. In the esophagus, primary peristalsis is the involuntary wave-like contractions that push food from the mouth to the stomach. It is the natural and automatic process that occurs to facilitate the movement of food during digestion. The stomach (choice B), nervous system (choice C), and small intestine (choice D) are not the primary sites where peristalsis occurs in the digestive system.
3. Which gland produces hormones that regulate sleep?
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Pineal gland
- C. Adrenal gland
- D. Pituitary gland
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels increasing in the evening to promote sleep and decreasing in the morning to signal wakefulness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol related to stress response, and the pituitary gland controls various functions by releasing different hormones but not specifically related to regulating sleep.
4. How might the headrest on a car prevent traumatic injury?
- A. By limiting hyperflexion of the neck
- B. By limiting hyperextension of the neck
- C. By reducing vertebral compression
- D. By preventing disc degeneration
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The headrest on a car is designed to prevent traumatic injury by limiting hyperextension of the neck during a rear-end collision. This helps reduce the risk of whiplash and other neck injuries that may occur when the head is forcefully thrown backward. Choice A is incorrect because hyperflexion is not the primary concern in rear-end collisions. Choice C is incorrect as the headrest does not directly reduce vertebral compression. Choice D is incorrect because the headrest is not directly involved in preventing disc degeneration.
5. 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.
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