HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which type of muscle tissue is found in the heart?
- A. Smooth muscle
- B. Cardiac muscle
- C. Skeletal muscle
- D. Striated muscle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cardiac muscle tissue, represented by choice B, is the correct answer. Cardiac muscle tissue is unique to the heart and responsible for its involuntary contractions that pump blood throughout the body. Smooth muscle (choice A) is found in the walls of hollow organs, skeletal muscle (choice C) is attached to bones for movement, and striated muscle (choice D) is a general term that can refer to both cardiac and skeletal muscle but is not specific to the heart.
2. Which hormone is released in response to low blood glucose levels?
- A. Insulin
- B. Glucagon
- C. Cortisol
- D. Adrenaline
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Glucagon is the hormone released in response to low blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels drop, the pancreas secretes glucagon to stimulate the liver to break down glycogen into glucose, increasing blood sugar levels. This helps to restore the body's glucose balance. Insulin, on the other hand, is released in response to high blood glucose levels to lower blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake by cells. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and adrenaline is released in response to stress or danger, not specifically to regulate blood glucose levels.
3. How do the intercostal muscles between the ribs assist with respiration?
- A. By protecting the delicate bronchioles and alveoli
- B. By signaling a decrease in intra-alveolar pressure
- C. By enlarging and reducing the space in the thorax
- D. By maintaining a medial separation between pleurae
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The intercostal muscles located between the ribs play a crucial role in respiration by aiding in the enlargement and reduction of the space in the thorax. During inspiration, these muscles contract, lifting the rib cage, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity and allows the lungs to expand and fill with air. This process directly relates to the expansion of the thorax rather than protecting bronchioles and alveoli (Choice A), signaling intra-alveolar pressure changes (Choice B), or maintaining the separation between pleurae (Choice D). Therefore, the correct answer is C.
4. Which organelle in the cell contains the genetic material?
- A. Ribosome
- B. Nucleus
- C. Mitochondria
- D. Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Nucleus. The nucleus is the organelle in the cell that contains the genetic material (DNA). DNA within the nucleus determines the cell's functions and characteristics, making it essential for cell function and replication. Choice A, Ribosome, is responsible for protein synthesis, not genetic material storage. Choice C, Mitochondria, produces energy but does not contain the genetic material. Choice D, Endoplasmic reticulum, is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism but does not house the genetic material.
5. Which muscle is responsible for breathing?
- A. Diaphragm
- B. Intercostal muscles
- C. Rectus abdominis
- D. Pectoralis major
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing inhalation. When it relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing exhalation. The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, assist the diaphragm in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity. The rectus abdominis and pectoralis major are not directly involved in the process of breathing.
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