what is the name of the structure that prevents food from entering the airway

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the name of the structure that prevents food from entering the airway?

A. trachea
B. esophagus
C. diaphragm
D. epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the airway. It acts as a lid over the trachea during swallowing, directing food to the esophagus instead of the windpipe (trachea). The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that allows air to pass into the lungs, the esophagus (Choice B) is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, and the diaphragm (Choice C) is a muscle involved in breathing and not in preventing food passage.

2. 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.

3. Which structure is part of both the male reproductive system and the urinary system?

A. Testes
B. Urethra
C. Prostate
D. Penis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Urethra. The urethra is a structure that plays a role in both the male reproductive system, by carrying semen, and the urinary system, by carrying urine. It serves as a common pathway for both reproductive and excretory functions in males. The Testes (Choice A) are part of the male reproductive system but not the urinary system. The Prostate (Choice C) is also part of the male reproductive system but not the urinary system. The Penis (Choice D) is primarily involved in the male reproductive system as the organ that delivers semen during sexual intercourse.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for balance and coordination?

A. Cerebellum
B. Cerebrum
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. The cerebellum, situated at the back of the brain, is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance and posture. It receives information from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to regulate motor movements. The cerebrum (choice B) is responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking and decision-making, the medulla oblongata (choice C) controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, and the hypothalamus (choice D) is involved in regulating basic biological needs like hunger, thirst, and body temperature.

5. How many different types of tissues are there in the human body?

A. four
B. six
C. eight
D. ten

Correct answer: A

Rationale: There are four major types of tissues in the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, connective tissue supports and binds other tissues together, muscle tissue enables movement, and nervous tissue allows for communication between different parts of the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the human body has four main types of tissues, not six, eight, or ten.