which mineral helps to maintain fluid balance in the body

HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

1. Which mineral helps maintain fluid balance in the body?

A. Potassium
B. Cobalt
C. Chromium
D. Sulfur

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Potassium is the mineral that helps maintain fluid balance in the body. It plays a crucial role in regulating the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells, thereby helping to maintain proper hydration levels. Potassium works in conjunction with sodium to regulate fluid balance and is essential for proper muscle function, nerve transmission, and heart health. Cobalt, chromium, and sulfur do not play significant roles in maintaining fluid balance in the body, making them incorrect choices for this question.

2. Which structure in the ear is responsible for hearing?

A. Cochlea
B. Semicircular canals
C. Ossicles
D. Eustachian tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cochlea, located in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting sound waves and converting them into neural signals that are sent to the brain for processing. It plays a crucial role in the process of hearing by translating mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound. The semicircular canals (Choice B) are responsible for balance and detecting head movements, not hearing. The ossicles (Choice C) are three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the cochlea. The Eustachian tube (Choice D) helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere, but it is not directly involved in the process of hearing.

3. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

A. To remove carbon dioxide from the body
B. To transport oxygen to the cells
C. To deliver nutrients to cells
D. To create sound and speech

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases. It transports oxygen from the air into the bloodstream, which is crucial for cellular respiration and providing energy to the cells. Additionally, it removes carbon dioxide, which is a waste product that needs to be eliminated. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while the respiratory system does remove carbon dioxide, its primary role is oxygen transport, not nutrient delivery, sound, or speech production.

4. The arteries are part of which system?

A. Nervous system
B. Endocrine system
C. Lymphatic system
D. Cardiovascular system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cardiovascular system. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. They are a key component of the cardiovascular system, which is responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body. The other options (A, B, and C) are incorrect because arteries are not part of the nervous system, endocrine system, or lymphatic system.

5. Which of the following is a structure found in the upper respiratory tract?

A. Pharynx
B. Larynx
C. Trachea
D. Esophagus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pharynx is a structure found in the upper respiratory tract. It serves as a common pathway for both air and food, playing a crucial role in directing air to the trachea and food to the esophagus. The larynx, trachea, and esophagus are important structures in the respiratory and digestive systems, but the pharynx specifically belongs to the upper respiratory tract, making it the correct answer.