HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which hormone is released by the posterior pituitary gland?
- A. Oxytocin
- B. Thyroxine
- C. Insulin
- D. ADH
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the correct answer. It is released by the posterior pituitary gland and plays a vital role in childbirth and lactation. Oxytocin promotes uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Choice B, Thyroxine, is incorrect as it is produced by the thyroid gland. Choice C, Insulin, is incorrect as it is produced by the pancreas. Choice D, ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone), is also released by the posterior pituitary gland, but it is not the hormone primarily associated with childbirth and lactation.
2. Which type of blood cell is involved in clotting?
- A. Red blood cells
- B. White blood cells
- C. Platelets
- D. Plasma
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing. They are responsible for forming blood clots to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is injured, making them the correct choice in this context. Red blood cells (Choice A) are primarily involved in oxygen transport, white blood cells (Choice B) are part of the immune system, and plasma (Choice D) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system?
- A. To filter waste from the blood
- B. To produce urine
- C. To regulate blood pressure
- D. To maintain fluid balance
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To filter waste from the blood.' The primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system is to filter waste products and excess substances from the blood, forming urine, which is then excreted from the body. This process helps maintain the body's internal environment by regulating the balance of electrolytes, fluid levels, and eliminating metabolic waste products. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while the kidneys do produce urine, regulate blood pressure, and maintain fluid balance, their primary function within the urinary system is the filtration of waste from the blood.
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