HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which hormone is released by the posterior pituitary gland?
- A. Oxytocin
- B. Thyroxine
- C. Insulin
- D. ADH
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the correct answer. It is released by the posterior pituitary gland and plays a vital role in childbirth and lactation. Oxytocin promotes uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Choice B, Thyroxine, is incorrect as it is produced by the thyroid gland. Choice C, Insulin, is incorrect as it is produced by the pancreas. Choice D, ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone), is also released by the posterior pituitary gland, but it is not the hormone primarily associated with childbirth and lactation.
2. What is the primary function of the heart?
- A. To filter blood
- B. To transport oxygen and nutrients
- C. To remove waste
- D. To regulate temperature
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the heart is to pump oxygenated blood and nutrients throughout the body, supplying cells with vital substances. Choice A is incorrect as the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood. Choice C is incorrect as waste removal is primarily handled by organs like the kidneys and liver. Choice D is incorrect as regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by mechanisms such as sweating and shivering, not the heart.
3. What condition might result from a lack of vitamin C?
- A. Kwashiorkor
- B. Pellagra
- C. Rickets
- D. Scurvy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Scurvy is the correct answer. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the diet. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to symptoms such as weakness, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, fatigue, and easy bruising. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to more severe complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition due to insufficient protein intake, pellagra is caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3), and rickets results from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.
4. Which part of the brain controls voluntary movement?
- A. Cerebellum
- B. Cerebrum
- C. Brainstem
- D. Medulla oblongata
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cerebrum, specifically the motor cortex located within it, is responsible for controlling voluntary movements such as walking, writing, and speaking. This region of the brain plays a crucial role in coordinating and executing voluntary muscle actions, making it the correct answer in this context. The cerebellum (Choice A) primarily coordinates balance, posture, and coordination of voluntary movements but does not control voluntary movement itself. The brainstem (Choice C) is responsible for basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, not voluntary movements. The medulla oblongata (Choice D) controls vital functions like blood pressure and breathing, not voluntary movement.
5. What role does the liver play in metabolism?
- A. To produce bile
- B. To detoxify harmful substances
- C. To store glucose
- D. To produce insulin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To detoxify harmful substances.' The liver is primarily responsible for detoxifying harmful substances present in the blood as part of its role in metabolism. While the liver does produce bile to aid in digestion and stores glucose for energy regulation, its main function in metabolism is detoxification. The liver does not produce insulin; insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels.
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