HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Which muscle is responsible for breathing?
- A. Diaphragm
- B. Intercostal muscles
- C. Rectus abdominis
- D. Pectoralis major
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing inhalation. When it relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing exhalation. The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, assist the diaphragm in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity. The rectus abdominis and pectoralis major are not directly involved in the process of breathing.
2. 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.
3. When an individual is under stress, hormones are released. Which of the following is not one of the locations in which hormones are released when under stress?
- A. Posterior pituitary
- B. Hypothalamus
- C. Adrenal cortex
- D. Parathyroid
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During stress, hormones are released from the adrenal cortex, posterior pituitary, and hypothalamus to help the body respond. The parathyroid gland, however, is not typically involved in the stress response by releasing hormones. The posterior pituitary releases hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin, the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin, while the adrenal cortex releases cortisol and aldosterone in response to stress. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Parathyroid.'
4. Which gland is often referred to as the 'master gland'?
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Pituitary gland
- C. Adrenal gland
- D. Pineal gland
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes a variety of hormones that regulate various bodily functions and play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. The thyroid gland (Choice A) plays a role in regulating metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice C) secretes hormones involved in stress response, and the pineal gland (Choice D) produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles, but they are not known as the 'master gland' due to their functions.
5. Which vitamin is necessary for the absorption of calcium?
- A. Vitamin C
- B. Vitamin D
- C. Vitamin A
- D. Vitamin K
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It is essential for the absorption of calcium in the intestines, facilitating the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium levels in the blood and promotes bone mineralization, making it crucial for overall bone health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Vitamin C is not directly involved in calcium absorption, Vitamin A is more related to vision and immune function, and Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting and bone mineralization but is not primarily responsible for calcium absorption.
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