HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating body temperature?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Cerebellum
- C. Brainstem
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, along with controlling other autonomic functions like hunger, thirst, and sleep. It acts as the body's internal thermostat, helping to maintain a stable internal environment despite external temperature changes. The cerebrum is mainly associated with functions like thinking, perception, and voluntary movements, making it unrelated to regulating body temperature. The cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating body temperature. The brainstem is essential for basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating body temperature.
2. Which hormone is released by the posterior pituitary gland?
- A. Oxytocin
- B. Thyroxine
- C. Insulin
- D. ADH
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the correct answer. It is released by the posterior pituitary gland and plays a vital role in childbirth and lactation. Oxytocin promotes uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Choice B, Thyroxine, is incorrect as it is produced by the thyroid gland. Choice C, Insulin, is incorrect as it is produced by the pancreas. Choice D, ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone), is also released by the posterior pituitary gland, but it is not the hormone primarily associated with childbirth and lactation.
3. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
- A. To absorb oxygen
- B. To transport nutrients
- C. To produce sound and speech
- D. To regulate blood pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to absorb oxygen from the air into the bloodstream and expel carbon dioxide from the body. This process is essential for cellular respiration and the production of energy in the body. Option A, 'To absorb oxygen,' aligns with this crucial function, making it the correct choice. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary function of the respiratory system. The respiratory system is not responsible for transporting nutrients (choice B), producing sound and speech (choice C), or regulating blood pressure (choice D).
4. Which of the following epithelial types is correctly matched with its major function?
- A. Simple squamous epithelium – diffusion
- B. Stratified squamous epithelium – protection
- C. Stratified squamous epithelium – diffusion
- D. Simple columnar epithelium – secretion or absorption
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Simple columnar epithelium is indeed primarily responsible for secretion and absorption due to its tall shape and presence of microvilli, which increase surface area for these functions. Simple squamous epithelium is mainly involved in diffusion, allowing for the exchange of gases or nutrients. Stratified squamous epithelium functions more for protection against mechanical stress and pathogens, as it forms a tough, protective barrier due to its many layers.
5. 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.
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