HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which hormone is released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?
- A. Insulin
- B. Glucagon
- C. Cortisol
- D. Somatostatin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is the hormone released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, helping to decrease blood glucose levels and store excess glucose for energy or future use. Glucagon, on the other hand, raises blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Cortisol and somatostatin do not directly regulate blood glucose levels in the same manner as insulin and glucagon.
2. Which vitamin is essential for bone health?
- A. Vitamin A
- B. Vitamin D
- C. Vitamin C
- D. Vitamin K
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It is essential for bone health as it helps in the absorption of calcium, a crucial mineral for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Adequate levels of Vitamin D are necessary to prevent conditions like osteoporosis and ensure optimal bone development and strength. Choice A, Vitamin A, is important for vision and immune function, but it is not directly related to bone health. Choice C, Vitamin C, is essential for collagen synthesis and immune function, but it is not primarily responsible for bone health. Choice D, Vitamin K, plays a role in blood clotting and bone metabolism, but Vitamin D has a more direct impact on bone health through its role in calcium absorption.
3. What is the primary function of the small intestine in digestion?
- A. Breaking down fats
- B. Absorbing nutrients
- C. Secreting digestive enzymes
- D. Storing bile
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Absorbing nutrients. The small intestine plays a crucial role in digestion by absorbing nutrients. It is where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs, allowing digested food to pass into the bloodstream for distribution to the body's cells. Choice A (Breaking down fats) is incorrect because the breakdown of fats primarily occurs in the small intestine with the help of bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas. Choice C (Secreting digestive enzymes) is incorrect because while the small intestine does produce some digestive enzymes, its primary role is absorption. Choice D (Storing bile) is incorrect as the storage of bile occurs in the gallbladder, not the small intestine.
4. What is the role of the alveoli in the lungs?
- A. To filter blood
- B. To exchange gases
- C. To transport nutrients
- D. To store oxygen
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The alveoli in the lungs are tiny air sacs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream through the alveoli, while carbon dioxide produced by cells is removed from the blood and exhaled out of the body through the alveoli. This gas exchange process is essential for the body to obtain oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide, supporting cellular functions and maintaining overall health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the alveoli do not filter blood, transport nutrients, or store oxygen. Their main function is gas exchange.
5. 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.
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