HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells?
- A. Insulin
- B. Erythropoietin
- C. Glucagon
- D. Thyroxine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Erythropoietin is the correct answer. It is the hormone responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. This hormone promotes the generation of more red blood cells to increase the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Insulin (Choice A), Glucagon (Choice C), and Thyroxine (Choice D) do not stimulate the production of red blood cells. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, Glucagon increases blood sugar levels, and Thyroxine regulates metabolism.
2. Which part of the brain is responsible for balance and coordination?
- A. Cerebellum
- B. Cerebrum
- C. Medulla oblongata
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. The cerebellum, situated at the back of the brain, is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance and posture. It receives information from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to regulate motor movements. The cerebrum (choice B) is responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking and decision-making, the medulla oblongata (choice C) controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, and the hypothalamus (choice D) is involved in regulating basic biological needs like hunger, thirst, and body temperature.
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 function of the alveoli in the lungs?
- A. To absorb oxygen
- B. To remove carbon dioxide
- C. To exchange gases
- D. To regulate blood pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for the exchange of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, during breathing. Oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is released through this process, enabling the body to receive oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Choice A is incorrect because the alveoli do not absorb oxygen but facilitate the exchange of gases. Choice B is incorrect as the alveoli do not remove carbon dioxide but aid in the exchange of gases. Choice D is incorrect as the alveoli are not involved in regulating blood pressure but in gas exchange.
5. What is the function of the coronary artery?
- A. It carries oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.
- B. It carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
- C. It distributes blood to the body.
- D. It supplies blood to the heart muscle.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'It supplies blood to the heart muscle.' The coronary artery's main function is to supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle, ensuring that the heart receives the necessary nutrients and oxygen it needs to function properly. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the coronary artery specifically delivers oxygenated blood to the heart muscle, not deoxygenated blood to the lungs or blood to the rest of the body.
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