what is the main function of the cardiovascular system
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology 2023

1. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To transport oxygen and nutrients.' The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells throughout the body and remove waste products. Choice B is incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily the function of the body's thermoregulatory system, including sweat glands and blood vessels near the skin surface. Choice C is incorrect because while the cardiovascular system does help remove waste products through circulation, it is not its primary function. Choice D is incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands, not the cardiovascular system.

2. The vena cavae drain blood from the body into the ___________.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The vena cavae are large veins responsible for returning deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart. They empty into the right atrium of the heart. From the right atrium, the blood is then pumped into the right ventricle before being sent to the pulmonary circulation for oxygenation, making choice A, 'right atrium,' the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the vena cavae do not empty into the ventricles of the heart; instead, they deliver blood to the atria.

3. What is the primary function of red blood cells?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. This is essential for cellular respiration and overall body functions. Red blood cells do not play a role in clotting blood, fighting infection, or carrying hormones. Choice A is incorrect because clotting blood is primarily done by platelets and other components of blood. Choice C is incorrect as fighting infection is a function mainly carried out by white blood cells. Choice D is incorrect because carrying hormones is primarily attributed to proteins like albumin and specific hormone-carrying proteins.

4. Which of the following processes represents a different level of defense compared to the others?

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.

5. Which part of the brain is responsible for processing sensory information?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The parietal lobe of the brain is responsible for processing sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain. It integrates sensory information from various parts of the body, allowing an individual to perceive and respond to different stimuli. Functions like spatial awareness and perception of the body's position in space are also associated with the parietal lobe. The frontal lobe is responsible for functions like decision-making and personality. The occipital lobe is primarily involved in visual processing, and the temporal lobe plays a role in memory and auditory processing.

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