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 structure in the ear is responsible for hearing?
- A. Cochlea
- B. Semicircular canals
- C. Ossicles
- D. Eustachian tube
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The cochlea, located in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting sound waves and converting them into neural signals that are sent to the brain for processing. It plays a crucial role in the process of hearing by translating mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound. The semicircular canals (Choice B) are responsible for balance and detecting head movements, not hearing. The ossicles (Choice C) are three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the cochlea. The Eustachian tube (Choice D) helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere, but it is not directly involved in the process of hearing.
3. Which gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Adrenal gland
- C. Pituitary gland
- D. Pineal gland
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that regulate many bodily functions, making it a central and vital component of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland (Choice A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like adrenaline, and the pineal gland (Choice D) secretes melatonin, but none of these glands are considered the 'master gland' that controls the functions of other endocrine glands.
4. How might an injury to the parietal lobe impact an individual?
- A. Breathing
- B. Attention
- C. Memory
- D. Perception
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An injury to the parietal lobe can impact an individual's perception, affecting their ability to interpret sensory information such as touch, spatial orientation, and recognizing objects. The parietal lobe is crucial for integrating sensory information and creating a coherent perception of the surrounding world. Damage to this area can lead to challenges with spatial awareness, object recognition, and accurate processing of sensory input. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because breathing, attention, and memory are primarily associated with other brain regions such as the brainstem, frontal lobe, and temporal lobe respectively, not the parietal lobe.
5. What is the function of the medulla oblongata in the brain?
- A. To control breathing and heart rate
- B. To regulate body temperature
- C. To coordinate voluntary movements
- D. To process sensory information
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To control breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata is a vital part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. These functions are crucial for maintaining life, and the medulla oblongata plays a key role in ensuring the body's survival. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus, coordinating voluntary movements is associated with the cerebellum and motor cortex, and processing sensory information is related to the thalamus and sensory cortex, not the medulla oblongata.
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