HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test
1. 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.
2. What is the function of the urinary bladder?
- A. To filter waste from the blood
- B. To store urine
- C. To regulate fluid balance
- D. To remove waste from the body
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To store urine. The urinary bladder's primary function is to store urine produced by the kidneys until it is ready to be excreted from the body. It acts as a reservoir that temporarily holds urine until an appropriate time for elimination. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the urinary bladder does not filter waste from the blood, regulate fluid balance, or directly remove waste from the body. These functions are primarily carried out by the kidneys and other organs in the excretory system.
3. What is the role of platelets in the blood?
- A. To transport oxygen
- B. To fight infections
- C. To clot blood
- D. To carry nutrients
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, play a crucial role in blood clotting. When there is an injury, platelets adhere to the site and release substances that form a clot, preventing excessive bleeding. This function is vital for maintaining hemostasis and preventing blood loss. Choice A is incorrect because red blood cells, not platelets, are responsible for transporting oxygen. Choice B is incorrect as white blood cells are primarily responsible for fighting infections. Choice D is incorrect as nutrients are mainly transported by plasma and red blood cells, not platelets.
4. What is the function of the gallbladder?
- A. To produce bile
- B. To store and concentrate bile
- C. To detoxify harmful substances
- D. To break down fats
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To store and concentrate bile. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, which is produced by the liver. Bile is released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. It helps in emulsifying fats and facilitating their breakdown by enzymes for better absorption. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the gallbladder does not produce bile (it is produced by the liver), detoxify harmful substances, or directly break down fats. Its main role is to store and concentrate bile before releasing it into the small intestine.
5. Which of the following is not a principal organ of the nervous system?
- A. Brain
- B. Thymus
- C. Ganglia
- D. Spinal cord
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The thymus is not a principal organ of the nervous system; it is part of the immune system. The brain, spinal cord, and ganglia are principal organs of the nervous system. The brain is responsible for processing information, the spinal cord helps transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and ganglia are clusters of nerve cells that support the nervous system's functions. Therefore, the thymus is the correct answer as it is not directly involved in nervous system functions.
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