HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
1. What condition might result from a lack of vitamin C?
- A. Kwashiorkor
- B. Pellagra
- C. Rickets
- D. Scurvy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Scurvy is the correct answer. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to symptoms such as weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and easy bruising. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to more severe complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition due to insufficient protein intake, pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), and rickets results from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.
2. Which hormone is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle?
- A. Melatonin
- B. Thyroxine
- C. Insulin
- D. Cortisol
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, regulates the sleep-wake cycle by responding to light and darkness in the environment. It plays a crucial role in signaling the body when it's time to sleep and wake up, helping to establish and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Thyroxine, Insulin, and Cortisol do not directly regulate the sleep-wake cycle, making them incorrect choices for this question.
3. What role does the liver play in metabolism?
- A. To produce bile
- B. To detoxify harmful substances
- C. To store glucose
- D. To produce insulin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To detoxify harmful substances.' The liver is primarily responsible for detoxifying harmful substances present in the blood as part of its role in metabolism. While the liver does produce bile to aid in digestion and stores glucose for energy regulation, its main function in metabolism is detoxification. The liver does not produce insulin; insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels.
4. What is the primary function of the skin?
- A. To regulate body temperature
- B. To protect the body from external damage
- C. To produce vitamin D
- D. To produce red blood cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the skin is to protect the body from external damage. While the skin also helps regulate body temperature and produces vitamin D in response to sunlight, its main role is to act as a barrier against harmful external factors, such as pathogens and physical injuries. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because although the skin does play a role in regulating body temperature and producing vitamin D, its primary function is providing protection against external threats.
5. 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.
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