which type of blood cell is primarily responsible for fighting infections
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology 2023

1. Which type of blood cell is primarily responsible for fighting infections?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, play a crucial role in the immune system by primarily combating infections. These cells can identify and destroy pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, helping the body defend against illnesses and maintain overall health. Red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport, platelets aid in blood clotting, and plasma carries various components throughout the circulatory system, but none of these functions involve fighting infections like white blood cells do.

2. Which part of the brain is involved in the regulation of heart rate and breathing?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata, situated in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in regulating vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It serves as the control center for involuntary actions, ensuring the body's automatic functions work properly. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the cerebrum is primarily responsible for functions such as thinking, voluntary movements, and sensory processing; the cerebellum is involved in coordination, balance, and muscle control; and the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, thirst, hunger, and some aspects of the autonomic nervous system but not specifically heart rate and breathing.

3. What is the term for red blood cell production?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct term for red blood cell production is erythropoiesis. This process specifically refers to the production of red blood cells, mainly occurring in the bone marrow. Hematopoiesis is a broader term that encompasses the production of all blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Phagocytosis is the process of engulfing and digesting particles by cells like macrophages, not related to red blood cell production. Thrombopoiesis is the production of platelets, not red blood cells.

4. What type of joint is found in the elbow?

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.

5. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate?

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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