HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which organelle is responsible for energy production in the cell?
- A. Nucleus
- B. Mitochondria
- C. Ribosomes
- D. Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for energy production in the cell. They generate energy through cellular respiration, producing ATP, which is the primary energy currency of the cell. Known as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria play a vital role in meeting the energy demands of various cellular processes. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material, not energy production. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, not energy production. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, as well as detoxification, but it is not primarily responsible for energy production.
2. What type of joint is found in the elbow?
- A. Ball and socket joint
- B. Hinge joint
- C. Pivot joint
- D. Saddle joint
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is a hinge joint. The elbow joint is a hinge joint that allows for flexion and extension movements, much like the movement of a door hinge. This type of joint permits movement in one plane, similar to the action of opening and closing a door. The other choices are incorrect: A) Ball and socket joints allow for a wide range of motion in multiple directions, such as the hip and shoulder joints. C) Pivot joints allow rotation around a single axis, like the joint at the top of the neck that allows the head to turn from side to side. D) Saddle joints are found in the thumb and have a biaxial range of motion allowing flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and circumduction.
3. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system?
- A. To filter waste from the blood
- B. To produce urine
- C. To regulate blood pressure
- D. To maintain fluid balance
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To filter waste from the blood.' The primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system is to filter waste products and excess substances from the blood, forming urine, which is then excreted from the body. This process helps maintain the body's internal environment by regulating the balance of electrolytes, fluid levels, and eliminating metabolic waste products. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while the kidneys do produce urine, regulate blood pressure, and maintain fluid balance, their primary function within the urinary system is the filtration of waste from the blood.
4. Which structure in the ear is responsible for detecting sound?
- A. Cochlea
- B. Eustachian tube
- C. Ossicles
- D. Semicircular canals
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The cochlea, situated in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting sound waves and converting them into neural signals that are transmitted to the brain for processing. The cochlea contains specialized sensory cells that respond to different frequencies of sound, allowing us to hear a wide range of sounds. The other structures listed, such as the eustachian tube, ossicles, and semicircular canals, play roles in functions like equalizing pressure, transmitting vibrations, and maintaining balance, respectively, but they are not directly involved in the detection of sound.
5. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Cerebellum
- C. Medulla oblongata
- D. Frontal lobe
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brain stem, is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. It contains vital centers that control these essential functions to maintain life. The cerebrum is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements; the cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movement and balance; and the frontal lobe is responsible for functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and voluntary muscle movements. Therefore, the correct answer is the medulla oblongata (Choice C).
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