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. Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?
- A. Along the radial nerve
- B. Within the spinal cord
- C. Along the sciatic nerve
- D. Along the tibial nerve
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A herniated lumbar disc is most likely to cause pain along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Compression of the sciatic nerve by a herniated disc can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the leg. This condition is commonly referred to as sciatica. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a herniated lumbar disc typically affects the sciatic nerve, not the radial nerve, spinal cord, or tibial nerve.
3. Which hormone stimulates milk production in the breasts during lactation?
- A. norepinephrine
- B. antidiuretic hormone
- C. prolactin
- D. oxytocin
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During lactation, the hormone responsible for stimulating milk production in the breasts is 'prolactin.' Prolactin plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining lactation by promoting the development of alveoli in the mammary glands and stimulating milk synthesis. While oxytocin is involved in the ejection of milk from the breasts, it is prolactin that primarily governs milk production. Norepinephrine is not directly involved in milk production, and antidiuretic hormone primarily regulates water balance and blood pressure, not milk production.
4. Which of the following organs is involved in the immune system?
- A. Heart
- B. Bronchi
- C. Appendix
- D. Esophagus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The appendix is involved in the immune system as it is believed to play a role in maintaining and protecting beneficial gut bacteria, especially after gastrointestinal illnesses. This helps in restoring the balance of intestinal bacteria crucial for immune function. The heart (Choice A), bronchi (Choice B), and esophagus (Choice D) are not directly involved in the immune system's functions. The heart pumps blood, the bronchi are part of the respiratory system, and the esophagus is responsible for transporting food to the stomach.
5. Which hormone is involved in the regulation of water balance in the body?
- A. ADH
- B. Insulin
- C. Cortisol
- D. Thyroxine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is ADH (antidiuretic hormone), also known as vasopressin. ADH helps regulate water balance in the body by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys. When there is a need to conserve water, ADH levels increase, leading to more water reabsorption and concentration of urine. Insulin is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not water balance. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps regulate metabolism and immune response, not water balance. Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism, growth, and development, not water balance.
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