HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which hormone is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle?
- A. Melatonin
- B. Thyroxine
- C. Insulin
- D. Cortisol
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, regulates the sleep-wake cycle by responding to light and darkness in the environment. It plays a crucial role in signaling the body when it's time to sleep and wake up, helping to establish and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Thyroxine, Insulin, and Cortisol do not directly regulate the sleep-wake cycle, making them incorrect choices for this question.
2. Which of the following endocrine system glands releases the thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone?
- A. Thymus
- B. Pituitary gland
- C. Pineal gland
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for releasing key hormones like thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. These hormones play essential roles in regulating various body functions by influencing the activities of other endocrine glands. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the thymus is involved in immune function, the pituitary gland releases different hormones, and the pineal gland primarily produces melatonin, not the hormones mentioned in the question.
3. What is the primary function of the skin in the integumentary system?
- A. Regulating body temperature
- B. Protecting the body from external damage
- C. Producing red blood cells
- D. Producing hormones
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the skin in the integumentary system is to protect the body from external damage. The skin acts as a barrier against pathogens, UV radiation, and physical trauma. While the skin does help regulate body temperature by sweating and vasodilation, its main role is protection. Skin does not produce red blood cells; this is the function of the bone marrow. Hormones are primarily produced by endocrine glands, not the skin.
4. Which hormone is released during the body's fight-or-flight response?
- A. Insulin
- B. Adrenaline
- C. Thyroxine
- D. Cortisol
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is released during the body's fight-or-flight response. This hormone prepares the body for rapid action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs in response to stress or danger. Insulin is not released during the fight-or-flight response; its primary role is to regulate blood sugar levels. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, and cortisol is released in response to stress to regulate various bodily functions, but adrenaline is the hormone specifically associated with the fight-or-flight response.
5. What is the function of the stomach in the digestive system?
- A. To absorb nutrients
- B. To break down food
- C. To produce bile
- D. To store waste
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To break down food.' The stomach plays a crucial role in the digestive system by breaking down food using gastric acid and digestive enzymes. This process transforms the food into a semi-liquid mixture known as chyme, which is further digested in the small intestine. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the stomach does not primarily absorb nutrients, produce bile, or store waste. These functions are carried out by other organs in the digestive system such as the small intestine, liver, and large intestine, respectively.
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