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. Which vitamin is essential for immune system function?

A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin K

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It is essential for immune system function as it helps regulate and support the immune response. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, which is necessary for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Vitamin A is important for vision and skin health, not specifically immune function. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in collagen production, not primarily for immune system function. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health, but it is not directly related to immune system function.

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

A. Clotting blood
B. Transporting oxygen
C. Fighting infection
D. Carrying hormones

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. A person who has damage to their ulnar nerve will have decreased sensation in which part of the body?

A. Hand
B. Arm
C. Leg
D. Foot

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Damage to the ulnar nerve typically results in decreased sensation in the hand, particularly affecting the little finger and half of the ring finger. The ulnar nerve innervates the hand and is responsible for providing sensation to these areas. This nerve does not extend to the leg or foot, so choices C and D are incorrect. While the ulnar nerve travels through the arm, its primary sensory impact is felt in the hand, making choice B less specific and therefore not the best answer.

5. The arteries are part of which system?

A. Nervous system
B. Endocrine system
C. Lymphatic system
D. Cardiovascular system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cardiovascular system. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. They are a key component of the cardiovascular system, which is responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body. The other options (A, B, and C) are incorrect because arteries are not part of the nervous system, endocrine system, or lymphatic system.