where does digestion begin in the digestive system

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Where does digestion begin in the digestive system?

A. Stomach
B. Mouth
C. Small intestine
D. Esophagus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Digestion begins in the mouth. Mechanical digestion through chewing and chemical digestion through saliva initiate the breakdown of food. Enzymes in saliva start breaking down carbohydrates, marking the beginning of the digestive process. The stomach primarily functions in further breaking down food and mixing it with gastric juices. The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occur. The esophagus is a muscular tube that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach, but digestion does not begin there.

2. What is true about caloric intake for the average person?

A. It should increase with age.
B. It should decline and then increase with age.
C. It should decline with age.
D. It should remain constant over a lifetime.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Caloric intake for the average person typically declines with age due to factors such as changes in metabolism, muscle mass, and physical activity levels. As people age, their metabolism tends to slow down, and they may also experience a decrease in muscle mass and physical activity, leading to a reduced need for calories. Option A is incorrect because caloric intake generally decreases rather than increases with age. Option B is incorrect as it suggests a fluctuation in caloric intake that is not typically seen. Option D is incorrect as caloric needs usually change over a person's lifetime due to various factors.

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

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The cerebellum is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling balance, coordination, and fine motor movements. The cerebrum is mainly associated with higher brain functions such as thinking and decision-making, not specifically balance and coordination. The brainstem is responsible for basic life functions like breathing and heartbeat, while the medulla oblongata is involved in regulating autonomic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Therefore, the cerebellum stands out as the key brain region for maintaining physical control and movement.

4. Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?

A. Insulin
B. Thyroxine
C. Glucagon
D. Cortisol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thyroxine is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and growth. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels, not by the thyroid gland. Glucagon is also produced by the pancreas and helps increase blood sugar levels. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in stress response and metabolism, not by the thyroid gland.

5. Which of the following are considered normal values for the measure of a person’s pulse and blood pressure?

A. 55 beats per minute and 75 over 60 mm Hg
B. 72 beats per minute and 120 over 80 mm Hg
C. 100 beats per minute and 140 over 100 mm Hg
D. 160 beats per minute and 100 over 70 mm Hg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Normal values for pulse rate typically range between 60 to 100 beats per minute, while normal blood pressure values are usually around 120/80 mm Hg. Option B falls within these normal ranges for both pulse rate and blood pressure, making it the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D have either pulse rate, blood pressure, or both values outside the normal ranges, making them incorrect.