HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test
1. What is the main function of white blood cells?
- A. To carry oxygen
- B. To fight infections
- C. To carry nutrients
- D. To remove waste products
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The main function of white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, is to fight infections and foreign invaders to protect the body from harm. They play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and destroying pathogens like bacteria and viruses, essential for maintaining the body's health and overall immunity. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as carrying oxygen is primarily done by red blood cells, carrying nutrients is a function of various body systems, and removing waste products is mainly the role of the kidneys and liver, not white blood cells.
2. Where does digestion begin in the digestive system?
- A. Stomach
- B. Mouth
- C. Small intestine
- D. Esophagus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Digestion begins in the mouth. Mechanical digestion through chewing and chemical digestion through saliva initiate the breakdown of food. Enzymes in saliva start breaking down carbohydrates, marking the beginning of the digestive process. The stomach primarily functions in further breaking down food and mixing it with gastric juices. The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occur. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach, but digestion does not begin there.
3. What is the role of the mitochondria in the cell?
- A. Protein synthesis
- B. Energy production
- C. Breaking down waste
- D. Cell division
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Energy production. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the process of cellular respiration. ATP is a molecule that stores and releases energy, providing the cell with the necessary energy for various activities and functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Protein synthesis primarily occurs in the ribosomes, breaking down waste is mainly carried out by lysosomes, and cell division is orchestrated by the nucleus and other organelles like the centrioles.
4. Which organ is responsible for the production of hormones during stress?
- A. Parathyroid gland
- B. Adrenal cortex
- C. Posterior pituitary gland
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The adrenal cortex is the organ responsible for producing stress hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, which play a crucial role in the body's stress response. During stress, the adrenal cortex releases cortisol, a hormone that helps the body deal with stress by increasing blood sugar, suppressing the immune system, and aiding in metabolism. Parathyroid gland is responsible for calcium regulation, the posterior pituitary gland secretes hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin which are not directly related to the stress response, and the hypothalamus plays a role in regulating hormonal balance and various bodily functions but is not primarily responsible for producing stress hormones.
5. Which brain part is responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure?
- A. Cerebellum
- B. Medulla oblongata
- C. Hypothalamus
- D. Pons
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata, situated in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling essential functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. It contains vital cardiovascular and respiratory centers, making it the correct choice for the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, not in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically heart rate and blood pressure. The pons is involved in functions like sleep, respiration, and bladder control, not primarily in regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
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