HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam
1. Which mineral is considered an antioxidant?
- A. Selenium
- B. Calcium
- C. Sulfur
- D. Iron
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Selenium is the correct answer. It is considered an antioxidant mineral that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Selenium is an essential component of the body's antioxidant defense system, promoting overall health and well-being. Calcium (Choice B), Sulfur (Choice C), and Iron (Choice D) are not typically classified as antioxidant minerals. While these minerals have other important functions in the body, they do not primarily act as antioxidants like selenium.
2. What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?
- A. Regulates body balance and thermoregulation
- B. Controls hunger and thirst
- C. Regulates sleep and circadian rhythms
- D. Controls voluntary movements
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The primary function of the hypothalamus is to regulate body balance and thermoregulation. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall body equilibrium by controlling functions such as body temperature and water balance. While the hypothalamus is also involved in hunger and thirst regulation, its main role is to ensure homeostasis by monitoring and adjusting body balance and temperature. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hunger and thirst regulation, sleep and circadian rhythm regulation, and control of voluntary movements are secondary functions of the hypothalamus compared to its primary role in maintaining body balance and thermoregulation.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Where would you be likely to find a Schwann cell?
- A. In the digestive system
- B. In the nervous system
- C. In the skeletal system
- D. In the muscular system
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Schwann cells are a type of neuroglia found in the peripheral nervous system. They are responsible for producing the myelin sheath around axons of neurons, which helps with the conduction of nerve impulses. Therefore, Schwann cells are typically found in the nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Schwann cells are specifically associated with the nervous system and are not found in the digestive, skeletal, or muscular systems.
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