the gall bladder is part of the

HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

1. Which system does the gall bladder belong to?

A. endocrine system
B. urinary system
C. digestive system
D. nervous system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The gall bladder is part of the digestive system. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver and release it into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. This process facilitates the breakdown and absorption of fats from the food we consume. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as the gall bladder is not associated with the endocrine, urinary, or nervous systems.

2. Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?

A. Insulin
B. Thyroxine
C. Glucagon
D. Cortisol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thyroxine is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and growth. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels, not by the thyroid gland. Glucagon is also produced by the pancreas and helps increase blood sugar levels. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in stress response and metabolism, not by the thyroid gland.

3. How might the headrest on a car prevent traumatic injury?

A. By limiting hyperflexion of the neck
B. By limiting hyperextension of the neck
C. By reducing vertebral compression
D. By preventing disc degeneration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The headrest on a car is designed to prevent traumatic injury by limiting hyperextension of the neck during a rear-end collision. This helps reduce the risk of whiplash and other neck injuries that may occur when the head is forcefully thrown backward. Choice A is incorrect because hyperflexion is not the primary concern in rear-end collisions. Choice C is incorrect as the headrest does not directly reduce vertebral compression. Choice D is incorrect because the headrest is not directly involved in preventing disc degeneration.

4. 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.

5. 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.