HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. 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.
2. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Medulla oblongata
- C. Cerebellum
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as the control center for automatic functions necessary for survival, making it the correct choice in this scenario. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, so it does not control basic physiological functions like breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, while the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically breathing and heart rate.
3. How is pepsin utilized by the body?
- A. To break down proteins
- B. To break down starches
- C. To emulsify fats and oils
- D. To absorb water and nutrients
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that is essential for breaking down proteins during digestion. It functions by breaking down large protein molecules into smaller peptides, which are further broken down into amino acids for absorption in the intestines. Therefore, option A, 'To break down proteins,' is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the specific function of pepsin in the body.
4. Which vitamin is essential for vision and skin health?
- A. Vitamin A
- B. Vitamin C
- C. Vitamin D
- D. Vitamin E
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Vitamin A is the correct answer. It is crucial for maintaining healthy vision and skin. Vitamin A plays a vital role in supporting normal vision, skin health, and immune function. Specifically, it is important for the health of the retina and is essential for the formation of rhodopsin, a protein in the retina necessary for low-light and color vision. Vitamin C (Choice B) is important for collagen synthesis and immune function, but it is not primarily associated with vision health. Vitamin D (Choice C) is crucial for bone health and immune function, while Vitamin E (Choice D) acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, but neither are primarily linked to vision and skin health like Vitamin A.
5. Which hormone initiates the preparation of the endometrium of the uterus for pregnancy?
- A. FSH
- B. Estrogen
- C. LH
- D. Progesterone
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Progesterone initiates the preparation of the endometrium of the uterus for pregnancy. It promotes the growth of blood vessels and glands in the endometrial lining, making it conducive for implantation and supporting early pregnancy. While estrogen helps in thickening the endometrium, it is progesterone that plays a crucial role in preparing it for pregnancy. FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) is involved in stimulating ovarian follicles, not directly in preparing the endometrium. LH (Luteinizing hormone) triggers ovulation but does not primarily prepare the endometrium for pregnancy.
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