HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating breathing and heart rate?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Medulla oblongata
- C. Cerebellum
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the Medulla oblongata. This structure, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as a control center for autonomic functions necessary for maintaining life. The Cerebrum (Choice A) is mainly responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movements, not for regulating basic physiological processes like breathing and heart rate. The Cerebellum (Choice C) is involved in coordination, balance, and muscle control, but not in regulating breathing and heart rate. The Hypothalamus (Choice D) plays a role in regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but it is not primarily responsible for controlling breathing and heart rate.
2. What is the function of the liver in the body?
- A. To filter blood
- B. To produce bile and detoxify substances
- C. To produce insulin
- D. To produce red blood cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To produce bile and detoxify substances.' The liver's primary functions include producing bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats, and detoxifying harmful substances in the blood. While the liver does play a role in blood filtration, its key functions are related to bile production and detoxification. Choices C and D are incorrect because the liver does not produce insulin (produced by the pancreas) or red blood cells (produced in the bone marrow).
3. Which might be a result of stenosis, or narrowing of a heart valve?
- A. Abdominal pain
- B. Blood clots
- C. Edema (swelling) in organs
- D. Irregular heartbeat
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Stenosis, or narrowing of a heart valve, restricts blood flow through the valve, leading to changes in the heart's normal rhythm. This alteration can result in an irregular heartbeat, making it a common consequence of heart valve stenosis. Abdominal pain, blood clots, and organ swelling are not typically associated with stenosis of a heart valve.
4. 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.
5. Which gland produces the hormone melatonin?
- A. Pineal gland
- B. Thyroid gland
- C. Pituitary gland
- D. Adrenal gland
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Pineal gland. The pineal gland is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin secretion is influenced by light exposure. Higher levels are observed at night to promote sleep, while lower levels during the day encourage wakefulness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not associated with the production of melatonin. The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine, the pituitary gland controls various other glands, and the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
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