what is the primary role of the kidneys in the urinary system
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023

1. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system is to filter blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, which are then excreted as urine. Kidneys act as a filtration system, removing waste like urea, excess salts, and toxins. While the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure by secreting renin and maintaining electrolyte balance by adjusting the levels of sodium, potassium, and other ions in the blood, their main and essential function is filtration and waste removal, making choice B the correct answer.

2. Which of the following is not part of the body’s secondary defense system?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cilia are not part of the body's secondary defense system. They are hair-like structures primarily involved in movement and transporting substances across cell surfaces, such as in the respiratory tract for debris and pathogen removal. However, cilia do not play a direct role in the immune response mechanisms characteristic of the body's secondary defense system. Macrophages, leukocytes, and T cells are immune cells that actively participate in the secondary defense system by targeting and eliminating pathogens.

3. Which gland is located on top of the kidneys?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. They produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which play essential roles in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress in the body. The Thyroid gland, Pineal gland, and Pancreas are not located on top of the kidneys. The Thyroid gland is located in the neck, the Pineal gland in the brain, and the Pancreas behind the stomach.

4. What is the function of the adrenal glands?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The adrenal glands function to produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones play essential roles in regulating metabolism, immune response, and the body's response to stress. Therefore, the correct answer is that the adrenal glands produce hormones. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as regulating blood sugar is primarily done by the pancreas, producing red blood cells is the function of the bone marrow, and filtering blood is carried out by the kidneys, not the adrenal glands.

5. Which plane would you use to separate the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal plane, runs horizontally from left to right, dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. This plane is ideal for separating the abdominal cavity (located below) from the thoracic cavity (located above). The sagittal plane (choice A) divides the body into left and right portions, the frontal plane (choice C) divides the body into front and back portions, and the coronal plane (choice D) is another term for the frontal plane. Therefore, when looking to separate the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity, the transverse plane is the most appropriate choice.

Similar Questions

How might the headrest on a car prevent traumatic injury?
The shoulder is _________ to the elbow.
How many different types of tissues are there in the human body?
What is the primary function of the digestive system?
What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Access More Features

HESI A2 Basic
$49/ 30 days

  • 3,000 Questions with answers
  • 30 days access

HESI A2 Premium
$99/ 90 days

  • Actual HESI A2 Questions
  • 3,000 questions with answers
  • 90 days access

Other Courses