HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test
1. What is the role of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
- A. To filter blood and remove old red blood cells
- B. To produce lymphocytes
- C. To store vitamins
- D. To regulate body temperature
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The spleen plays a crucial role in the lymphatic system by filtering blood, specifically removing old or damaged red blood cells. Additionally, the spleen produces lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response by helping to fight off infections. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as the spleen is primarily involved in blood filtration and the production of lymphocytes rather than storing vitamins or regulating body temperature.
2. What is the function of the medulla oblongata in the brain?
- A. To control breathing and heart rate
- B. To regulate body temperature
- C. To coordinate voluntary movements
- D. To process sensory information
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To control breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata is a vital part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. These functions are crucial for maintaining life, and the medulla oblongata plays a key role in ensuring the body's survival. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus, coordinating voluntary movements is associated with the cerebellum and motor cortex, and processing sensory information is related to the thalamus and sensory cortex, not the medulla oblongata.
3. Which organ in the body is responsible for insulin production?
- A. Pancreas
- B. Liver
- C. Gallbladder
- D. Kidneys
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin plays a key role in allowing cells to take in glucose, thereby helping to keep blood sugar levels in check. The liver (choice B), gallbladder (choice C), and kidneys (choice D) do not produce insulin. The liver is involved in glycogen storage and glucose regulation, the gallbladder stores bile, and the kidneys filter blood and regulate fluid balance.
4. Which structure in the ear is responsible for balance?
- A. Cochlea
- B. Semicircular canals
- C. Ossicles
- D. Eustachian tube
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The semicircular canals in the inner ear are responsible for maintaining balance by detecting changes in head position and movement. These structures contain fluid and hair cells that send signals to the brain regarding the body's orientation in space, helping us stay balanced and navigate our surroundings. The cochlea is responsible for hearing, the ossicles are involved in sound transmission, and the Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear, but they are not directly related to balance.
5. Which gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism?
- A. Pituitary gland
- B. Thyroid gland
- C. Adrenal gland
- D. Pineal gland
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones, such as thyroxine, that play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and overall growth and development in the body. The pituitary gland, while important for hormone regulation, does not primarily regulate metabolism. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are more related to stress response than direct metabolism regulation. The pineal gland mainly produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles and not metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland.
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