HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which hormone is released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?
- A. Insulin
- B. Glucagon
- C. Cortisol
- D. Somatostatin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is the hormone released by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, helping to decrease blood glucose levels and store excess glucose for energy or future use. Glucagon, on the other hand, raises blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Cortisol and somatostatin do not directly regulate blood glucose levels in the same manner as insulin and glucagon.
2. 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.
3. Which structure in the ear is responsible for detecting sound?
- A. Cochlea
- B. Eustachian tube
- C. Ossicles
- D. Semicircular canals
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The cochlea, situated in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting sound waves and converting them into neural signals that are transmitted to the brain for processing. The cochlea contains specialized sensory cells that respond to different frequencies of sound, allowing us to hear a wide range of sounds. The other structures listed, such as the eustachian tube, ossicles, and semicircular canals, play roles in functions like equalizing pressure, transmitting vibrations, and maintaining balance, respectively, but they are not directly involved in the detection of sound.
4. What type of joint is found in the shoulder?
- A. Ball and socket joint
- B. Hinge joint
- C. Saddle joint
- D. Pivot joint
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is a ball and socket joint. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint, allowing for a wide range of motion, including rotation. This joint provides excellent flexibility and mobility, making movements like circular motions and rotations possible. A hinge joint, like the elbow, allows movement in only one plane (flexion and extension). A saddle joint, found in the thumb, allows for a wide range of motion but not as much as a ball and socket joint. A pivot joint, such as the joint between the first and second vertebrae of the neck, allows rotation only.
5. What is the term for red blood cell production?
- A. Hematopoiesis
- B. Erythropoiesis
- C. Phagocytosis
- D. Thrombopoiesis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct term for red blood cell production is erythropoiesis. This process specifically refers to the production of red blood cells, mainly occurring in the bone marrow. Hematopoiesis is a broader term that encompasses the production of all blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Phagocytosis is the process of engulfing and digesting particles by cells like macrophages, not related to red blood cell production. Thrombopoiesis is the production of platelets, not red blood cells.
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