HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023
1. Which hormone is produced by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?
- A. Glucagon
- B. Insulin
- C. Cortisol
- D. Melatonin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insulin. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is the hormone responsible for lowering blood glucose levels. It achieves this by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby reducing the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. Choice A, Glucagon, is actually a hormone produced by the pancreas that works to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. Choice C, Cortisol, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas, and is involved in stress response and regulation of metabolism. Choice D, Melatonin, is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not directly involved in blood glucose level regulation.
2. Which vitamin is necessary for the absorption of calcium?
- A. Vitamin C
- B. Vitamin D
- C. Vitamin A
- D. Vitamin K
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It is essential for the absorption of calcium in the intestines, facilitating the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium levels in the blood and promotes bone mineralization, making it crucial for overall bone health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Vitamin C is not directly involved in calcium absorption, Vitamin A is more related to vision and immune function, and Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting and bone mineralization but is not primarily responsible for calcium absorption.
3. Which type of blood cell is responsible for carrying oxygen?
- A. Red blood cells
- B. White blood cells
- C. Platelets
- D. Plasma cells
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red blood cells. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells designed to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs throughout the body. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and releases them in other parts of the body where oxygen is needed for cellular respiration. White blood cells (choice B) are part of the immune system, responsible for fighting infections. Platelets (choice C) are involved in blood clotting. Plasma cells (choice D) are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to help the body fight off infections.
4. Which gland is often referred to as the 'master gland'?
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Pituitary gland
- C. Adrenal gland
- D. Pineal gland
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes a variety of hormones that regulate various bodily functions and play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. The thyroid gland (Choice A) plays a role in regulating metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice C) secretes hormones involved in stress response, and the pineal gland (Choice D) produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles, but they are not known as the 'master gland' due to their functions.
5. Which of the following processes represents a different level of defense compared to the others?
- A. A low pH in the stomach
- B. Cilia present in the trachea
- C. Body cells recognizing a pathogen
- D. Mucus present in the nasal cavity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Among the listed processes, low pH in the stomach, cilia in the trachea, and mucus in the nasal cavity serve as physical barriers that form the first line of defense against pathogens. These barriers work to block pathogens from entering the body. On the other hand, body cells recognizing a pathogen involves the immune response, which operates at a different level of defense. This process is part of the adaptive immune response, where the body's immune cells identify, target, and eliminate specific pathogens to provide a specialized defense after the pathogens have breached the physical barriers. Therefore, body cells recognizing a pathogen represent a different level of defense compared to the other listed processes.
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