which part of the respiratory system is in the upper respiratory

HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

1. Which part of the respiratory system is in the upper respiratory tract?

A. Bronchioles
B. Alveolar ducts
C. Alveoli
D. None of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The upper respiratory tract includes structures such as the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. These structures are responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air. The lower respiratory tract comprises the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. Bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli are all part of the lower respiratory system, involved in gas exchange. Therefore, the correct answer is 'None of the above' as none of the listed options are part of the upper respiratory tract.

2. Which gland is responsible for producing adrenaline?

A. Thyroid gland
B. Adrenal gland
C. Pituitary gland
D. Pineal gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Adrenal gland. The Adrenal glands, situated on top of the kidneys, are responsible for producing adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares the body for the fight-or-flight response during stress. Choice A, the Thyroid gland, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, not adrenaline. Choice C, the Pituitary gland, regulates many of the body's functions by producing various hormones but is not responsible for adrenaline production. Choice D, the Pineal gland, produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, and is not responsible for adrenaline production.

3. What is the first step in pulmonary circulation?

A. Blood moves toward the heart through the pulmonary veins.
B. The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs.
C. Carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen.
D. Oxygenated blood moves through the aorta.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs. The first step in pulmonary circulation involves the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery then carries this deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. This step is crucial for the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen to occur in the lungs, facilitating the oxygenation of blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the initial step in pulmonary circulation. Option A refers to blood moving away from the heart, option C describes the gas exchange process that occurs in the lungs but not as the first step, and option D mentions oxygenated blood moving through the aorta, which happens after oxygenation in the lungs.

4. Which structure is responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells?

A. Hemoglobin
B. Plasma
C. Platelets
D. Red blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hemoglobin, located in red blood cells, is responsible for binding to oxygen in the lungs and transporting it to tissues throughout the body. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, making them the primary carrier of oxygen to cells. Hemoglobin is the correct answer because it is the protein within red blood cells that directly binds to oxygen for transport. Plasma is the liquid component of blood and does not carry oxygen. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting and have no role in oxygen transport. While red blood cells do carry oxygen, it is specifically the hemoglobin within them that performs this function.

5. What is the function of the stomach in the digestive system?

A. To absorb nutrients
B. To break down food
C. To produce bile
D. To store waste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To break down food.' The stomach plays a crucial role in the digestive system by breaking down food using gastric acid and digestive enzymes. This process transforms the food into a semi-liquid mixture known as chyme, which is further digested in the small intestine. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the stomach does not primarily absorb nutrients, produce bile, or store waste. These functions are carried out by other organs in the digestive system such as the small intestine, liver, and large intestine, respectively.