HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex?
- A. Insulin
- B. Cortisol
- C. Thyroxine
- D. Glucagon
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and managing stress. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, thyroxine by the thyroid gland, and glucagon by the pancreas. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.
2. Which cut is considered a cross section?
- A. A sagittal or frontal section
- B. A cut along the coronal plane
- C. A cut along the median plane
- D. A cut through the transverse plane
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: A cut through the transverse plane. A transverse plane cut, also known as a cross-section, divides the body or an organ into superior and inferior portions. This type of cut is perpendicular to the long axis of the body and is commonly used in medical imaging to display internal structures and organs in a horizontal view. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a sagittal or frontal section (A) divides the body into left and right portions, a cut along the coronal plane (B) separates the body into anterior and posterior parts, and a cut along the median plane (C) divides the body into equal left and right halves.
3. What is the primary function of the small intestine in the digestive system?
- A. To secrete digestive enzymes
- B. To absorb nutrients
- C. To break down food
- D. To absorb water
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To absorb nutrients. The small intestine's main role in the digestive system is to absorb nutrients from digested food. It has specialized structures, such as villi and microvilli, that increase its surface area for efficient absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Choice A is incorrect because the small intestine does not primarily secrete digestive enzymes; that role is mainly carried out by the pancreas and other digestive organs. Choice C is incorrect because the small intestine primarily absorbs nutrients rather than breaking down food. Choice D is incorrect because the absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine, not the small intestine.
4. What is the primary hormone secreted by the thyroid gland?
- A. Oxytocin
- B. TSH
- C. Adrenaline
- D. T4
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: T4. The primary hormone secreted by the thyroid gland is thyroxine, also known as T4. T4 plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and energy levels in the body. It is converted into the more active form, triiodothyronine (T3), which exerts most of the biological effects of thyroid hormones. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Oxytocin is not produced by the thyroid gland but by the pituitary gland, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland, and adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands, not the thyroid gland.
5. Through which organ do muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis?
- A. Mouth
- B. Small intestine
- C. Epiglottis
- D. Esophagus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Esophagus. Muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis in the esophagus. Peristalsis is a coordinated muscular contraction that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. The rhythmic contractions of the esophageal muscles create a wave-like motion that propels food downward toward the stomach for digestion. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the mouth is where digestion begins but does not push food into the stomach, the small intestine is mainly responsible for absorbing nutrients, and the epiglottis is a flap that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing, not involved in pushing food into the stomach.
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