what is the function of the pancreas in digestion

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. What is the function of the pancreas in digestion?

A. Secreting digestive enzymes
B. Producing bile
C. Storing glucose
D. Regulating blood sugar levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Secreting digestive enzymes. The pancreas aids in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that are essential for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the absorption of nutrients from food, facilitating the digestive process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The pancreas does not produce bile (choice B), store glucose (choice C), or primarily regulate blood sugar levels (choice D) in the context of digestion.

2. What part of the eye is responsible for focusing light on the retina?

A. Cornea
B. Lens
C. Retina
D. Pupil

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The lens of the eye is responsible for focusing light on the retina. When light enters the eye, it first passes through the cornea, which helps in bending the light, and then the lens further refracts and focuses the light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina contains photoreceptor cells that convert light into neural signals, which are then sent to the brain for visual processing. The cornea is the transparent outermost layer of the eye that helps in focusing light, but the main responsibility lies with the lens. The retina is the layer at the back of the eye that receives the focused light and initiates the process of vision. The pupil is the opening in the center of the iris that controls the amount of light entering the eye and is not directly involved in focusing light on the retina.

3. Which might be a result of stenosis, or narrowing of a heart valve?

A. Abdominal pain
B. Blood clots
C. Edema (swelling) in organs
D. Irregular heartbeat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Stenosis, or narrowing of a heart valve, restricts blood flow through the valve, leading to changes in the heart's normal rhythm. This alteration can result in an irregular heartbeat, making it a common consequence of heart valve stenosis. Abdominal pain, blood clots, and organ swelling are not typically associated with stenosis of a heart valve.

4. What is the average normal body temperature in degrees Celsius?

A. 30°C
B. 32°C
C. 35°C
D. 37°C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The average normal body temperature in degrees Celsius is 37°C. This temperature is considered the standard measurement for the human body under normal conditions. It is essential to know this baseline temperature for monitoring health and detecting abnormalities such as fever. Choice A, 30°C, is too low for the average normal body temperature. Choice B, 32°C, is also below the standard normal body temperature. Choice C, 35°C, is closer but still lower than the average normal body temperature of 37°C.

5. How many bones are in the human foot?

A. 6
B. 16
C. 26
D. 36

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 26. The human foot consists of 26 bones, including tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. These bones collaborate to offer support, flexibility, and stability for various activities like standing, walking, and running. Choice A (6) is incorrect as it is too low for the number of bones in the human foot. Choice B (16) is incorrect as it underestimates the actual number of bones in the foot. Choice D (36) is incorrect as it overestimates the number of bones in the human foot.