HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
1. Which type of muscles are involved in peristalsis?
- A. Smooth muscles
- B. Cardiac muscles
- C. Skeletal muscles
- D. Epaxial muscles
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Peristalsis is a coordinated, wave-like muscular contraction that propels food and other materials through the digestive tract. Smooth muscles are responsible for this movement in the gastrointestinal tract, providing the involuntary contractions needed for peristalsis to occur. Skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles, and epaxial muscles are not directly involved in peristalsis. Cardiac muscles are found in the heart and are responsible for its contraction. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and control voluntary movements. Epaxial muscles are located along the vertebral column and are involved in the movement and stabilization of the spine.
2. Where does digestion begin in the digestive system?
- A. Stomach
- B. Mouth
- C. Small intestine
- D. Esophagus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Digestion begins in the mouth. Mechanical digestion through chewing and chemical digestion through saliva initiate the breakdown of food. Enzymes in saliva start breaking down carbohydrates, marking the beginning of the digestive process. The stomach primarily functions in further breaking down food and mixing it with gastric juices. The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occur. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach, but digestion does not begin there.
3. Which type of blood vessel carries oxygenated blood away from the heart?
- A. Veins
- B. Arteries
- C. Capillaries
- D. Lymphatic vessels
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to supply tissues and organs with oxygen and nutrients. Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Capillaries facilitate the exchange of nutrients and gases between the blood and tissues. Lymphatic vessels are part of the lymphatic system responsible for returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream. Therefore, the correct answer is arteries as they carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
4. Which structure in the brain regulates sleep and wakefulness?
- A. Hypothalamus
- B. Thalamus
- C. Pineal gland
- D. Cerebellum
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The pineal gland, located in the brain, is responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness by secreting the hormone melatonin. Melatonin plays a crucial role in controlling the sleep-wake cycle, with higher levels at night inducing sleepiness. The hypothalamus (Choice A) regulates various physiological processes but is not primarily responsible for sleep-wake cycles. The thalamus (Choice B) is involved in relaying sensory information but not specifically in regulating sleep. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and motor control rather than sleep regulation.
5. Which of the following structures is found in the upper respiratory system alongside the Pharynx?
- A. Larynx
- B. Trachea
- C. Pharynx
- D. Bronchi
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Larynx.' The larynx is indeed located in the upper respiratory system alongside the pharynx. Positioned below the pharynx and above the trachea, the larynx is crucial for breathing and sound production. The trachea and bronchi are part of the lower respiratory system and are situated below the larynx, making them incorrect choices in this context.
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