HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam
1. What is the first step in pulmonary circulation?
- A. Blood moves toward the heart through the pulmonary veins.
- B. The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs.
- C. Carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen.
- D. Oxygenated blood moves through the aorta.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs. The first step in pulmonary circulation involves the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery then carries this deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. This step is crucial for the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen to occur in the lungs, facilitating the oxygenation of blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the initial step in pulmonary circulation. Option A refers to blood moving away from the heart, option C describes the gas exchange process that occurs in the lungs but not as the first step, and option D mentions oxygenated blood moving through the aorta, which happens after oxygenation in the lungs.
2. Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?
- A. Veins
- B. Arteries
- C. Capillaries
- D. Nerves
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. They have thick, muscular walls to withstand the high pressure generated by the heart's contractions, ensuring efficient transport of blood throughout the body. Veins, on the other hand, carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, while capillaries facilitate the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the blood and tissues. Nerves are not involved in the transport of blood.
3. How do the intercostal muscles between the ribs assist with respiration?
- A. By protecting the delicate bronchioles and alveoli
- B. By signaling a decrease in intra-alveolar pressure
- C. By enlarging and reducing the space in the thorax
- D. By maintaining a medial separation between pleurae
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The intercostal muscles located between the ribs play a crucial role in respiration by aiding in the enlargement and reduction of the space in the thorax. During inspiration, these muscles contract, lifting the rib cage, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity and allows the lungs to expand and fill with air. This process directly relates to the expansion of the thorax rather than protecting bronchioles and alveoli (Choice A), signaling intra-alveolar pressure changes (Choice B), or maintaining the separation between pleurae (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is C.
4. Which gland is located superior to the kidney?
- A. Pituitary
- B. Adrenal
- C. Hypothalamus
- D. Pancreas
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The adrenal gland is located superior to the kidney. Each kidney is surrounded by an adrenal gland, also known as the suprarenal gland, situated on top of the kidneys. The pituitary gland (A) is located in the brain, while the hypothalamus (C) is also in the brain, above the pituitary gland. The pancreas (D) is located in the abdomen, near the stomach and small intestine, not superior to the kidney.
5. What is the main function of white blood cells?
- A. To carry oxygen
- B. To fight infections
- C. To carry nutrients
- D. To remove waste products
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The main function of white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, is to fight infections and foreign invaders to protect the body from harm. They play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and destroying pathogens like bacteria and viruses, essential for maintaining the body's health and overall immunity. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as carrying oxygen is primarily done by red blood cells, carrying nutrients is a function of various body systems, and removing waste products is mainly the role of the kidneys and liver, not white blood cells.
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