HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which of the following describes the process of osmosis?
- A. Diffusion of solutes across a membrane
- B. Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane
- C. Movement of gases across a membrane
- D. Active transport of ions across a membrane
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Osmosis is the process where water molecules move across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This movement of water helps to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane. The correct description of osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, making choice B the right answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, not solutes, gases, or ions across a membrane.
2. Which organ is responsible for the production of insulin?
- A. Thyroid gland
- B. Pituitary gland
- C. Pancreas
- D. Adrenal gland
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Insulin is crucial for maintaining proper blood sugar levels and is produced by specialized cells within the pancreas known as beta cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland do not produce insulin. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the pituitary gland releases various hormones that control other glands, and the adrenal gland produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
3. Which hormone is involved in the fight or flight response?
- A. Cortisol
- B. Adrenaline
- C. Thyroxine
- D. Melatonin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adrenaline. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is the hormone involved in the fight or flight response. It is released by the adrenal glands, preparing the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores. Choice A, Cortisol, is a hormone released in response to stress but is not directly involved in the fight or flight response. Choice C, Thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and growth, not specifically associated with the fight or flight response. Choice D, Melatonin, is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not involved in the fight or flight response.
4. Which hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?
- A. Melatonin
- B. Insulin
- C. Cortisol
- D. Thyroxine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, is the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Its secretion is influenced by light exposure, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to encourage wakefulness. Insulin is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol plays a role in the body's stress response and circadian rhythm but is not the primary hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, not the sleep-wake cycle.
5. What is the primary function of the large intestine?
- A. To absorb water and form solid waste
- B. To produce digestive enzymes
- C. To secrete hormones
- D. To transport nutrients
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and form solid waste (feces) for excretion. This process helps in reabsorbing water and electrolytes, resulting in the formation of feces by compacting the waste material. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the large intestine is not responsible for producing digestive enzymes, secreting hormones, or transporting nutrients. These functions are typically associated with other parts of the digestive system.
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