HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
1. What are the chemical messengers that control growth, differentiation, and metabolism of specific target cells called?
- A. Hormones
- B. Neurons
- C. Glands
- D. Second messengers
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands in multicellular organisms. They travel through the bloodstream to specific target cells where they regulate various physiological processes, including growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Neurons (choice B) are nerve cells that transmit nerve impulses and are not responsible for controlling growth, differentiation, or metabolism. Glands (choice C) produce and release hormones but are not the chemical messengers themselves. Second messengers (choice D) are molecules involved in intracellular signal transduction, not the primary chemical messengers controlling growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Therefore, hormones (choice A) are the correct answer as they match the description provided in the question.
2. Which lobe of the brain controls speech production?
- A. Frontal lobe
- B. Parietal lobe
- C. Temporal lobe
- D. Occipital lobe
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The frontal lobe of the brain, specifically the left hemisphere in an area known as Broca's area, is responsible for controlling speech production. This region plays a vital role in speech formation and language expression. Damage to the frontal lobe, particularly Broca's area, can lead to language difficulties like expressive aphasia, a condition characterized by trouble speaking fluently. The parietal lobe is more involved in processing sensory information and spatial awareness. The temporal lobe is associated with memory, hearing, and language comprehension. The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information.
3. Which of the following processes represents a different level of defense compared to the others?
- A. A low pH in the stomach
- B. Cilia present in the trachea
- C. Body cells recognizing a pathogen
- D. Mucus present in the nasal cavity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Among the listed processes, low pH in the stomach, cilia in the trachea, and mucus in the nasal cavity serve as physical barriers that form the first line of defense against pathogens. These barriers work to block pathogens from entering the body. On the other hand, body cells recognizing a pathogen involves the immune response, which operates at a different level of defense. This process is part of the adaptive immune response, where the body's immune cells identify, target, and eliminate specific pathogens to provide a specialized defense after the pathogens have breached the physical barriers. Therefore, body cells recognizing a pathogen represent a different level of defense compared to the other listed processes.
4. Which of the following endocrine system glands releases the thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone?
- A. Thymus
- B. Pituitary gland
- C. Pineal gland
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for releasing key hormones like thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. These hormones play essential roles in regulating various body functions by influencing the activities of other endocrine glands. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the thymus is involved in immune function, the pituitary gland releases different hormones, and the pineal gland primarily produces melatonin, not the hormones mentioned in the question.
5. Which of the following is an organ of the respiratory system?
- A. Brain
- B. Larynx
- C. Urethra
- D. Pancreas
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The larynx is an essential organ of the respiratory system. It plays a crucial role in producing sound, protecting the trachea from food aspiration, and regulating the airflow to and from the lungs. The brain is part of the nervous system, the urethra is part of the urinary system, and the pancreas is part of the digestive system. Therefore, they are not directly related to the respiratory system's functions.
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