which structure in the ear is responsible for balance

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which structure in the ear is responsible for balance?

A. Cochlea
B. Semicircular canals
C. Ossicles
D. Eustachian tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The semicircular canals in the inner ear are responsible for maintaining balance by detecting changes in head position and movement. These structures contain fluid and hair cells that send signals to the brain regarding the body's orientation in space, helping us stay balanced and navigate our surroundings. The cochlea is responsible for hearing, the ossicles are involved in sound transmission, and the Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear, but they are not directly related to balance.

2. What propels the cell forward?

A. Microfilaments
B. Propulsion
C. Cilia
D. Flagella

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Propulsion, not microfilaments, cilia, or flagella, is what drives the cell forward. Propulsion is the force or process that propels the cell forward and allows it to move within its environment. Microfilaments are involved in cell structure, cilia are small hair-like structures for movement, and flagella are tail-like structures used for cell propulsion in some organisms.

3. What is the meaning of the word 'derivative' in the following sentence: 'The professor’s lecture seemed to be a bit derivative'?

A. Unoriginal
B. Monotonous
C. Condescending
D. Long-winded

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'derivative' in this sentence means that the professor's lecture was not original, but instead heavily based on or closely imitating something else. Therefore, the correct meaning is 'unoriginal.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Monotonous' means lacking in variety and boringly repetitive, 'condescending' means showing a superior attitude, and 'long-winded' means using more words than necessary.

4. What is the result of dividing 40.3 by 4.8?

A. 0.084
B. 84
C. 0.84
D. 8.4

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When dividing 40.3 by 4.8, the correct result is approximately 8.4. To obtain this result, you can perform the division 40.3 ÷ 4.8 = 8.395833... which rounds to 8.4. The other choices, A, B, and C, are incorrect. Choice A, 0.084, is incorrect as it is not the result of the division provided. Choice B, 84, is incorrect as it is the result of multiplying 40.3 and 4.8 instead of dividing them. Choice C, 0.84, is incorrect as it is not the correct result when dividing 40.3 by 4.8. It is crucial for individuals in various professions to be precise in mathematical calculations for tasks such as accurate medication administration and dosage measurements. Therefore, the correct answer is D, 8.4.

5. Which word describes a person's music collection who listens to a mixture of genres from punk rock to classical?

A. Theoretical
B. Relevant
C. Mélange
D. Cacophony

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'mélange' refers to a mixture or medley of different elements, which perfectly fits the description of someone who listens to various music genres. It implies diversity in their collection, covering a broad range of styles from punk rock to classical music. Choice A, 'Theoretical,' does not relate to music collections and is more aligned with concepts and hypotheses. Choice B, 'Relevant,' does not capture the idea of a varied music collection. Choice D, 'Cacophony,' refers to a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, which does not represent a music collection with a variety of genres.