HESI A2
Anatomy and Physiology Hesi A2 Practice Test
1. Which of the following statements best describes endocrine glands?
- A. They absorb chemicals from the blood
- B. They secrete chemicals into the blood
- C. They filter chemicals from the blood
- D. They absorb chemicals from the lymphatic system
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'They secrete chemicals into the blood.' Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions. This process helps in maintaining homeostasis and coordinating different physiological processes within the body. Choice A is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the blood; instead, they release hormones. Choice C is incorrect as endocrine glands do not filter chemicals from the blood; they secrete hormones. Choice D is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the lymphatic system; they release hormones into the bloodstream.
2. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?
- A. To transport oxygen and nutrients
- B. To remove waste products
- C. To regulate body temperature
- D. To fight infections
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "To transport oxygen and nutrients." The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells throughout the body and remove waste products. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by delivering essential substances to tissues and organs while eliminating metabolic waste. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although the cardiovascular system indirectly helps in removing waste products through circulation, its primary function is focused on transporting essential substances and not on regulating body temperature or fighting infections.
3. When an individual is under stress, hormones are released. Which of the following is not one of the locations where hormones are released when under stress?
- A. Parathyroid gland
- B. Adrenal cortex
- C. Posterior pituitary
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The parathyroid gland is not a location where hormones are typically released during stress. It primarily regulates calcium levels in the blood through the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). On the other hand, the adrenal cortex releases hormones like cortisol in response to stress, the posterior pituitary releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone, and the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in coordinating stress responses through the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Therefore, the parathyroid gland is the correct answer as it is not directly involved in the stress response pathway.
4. Which type of muscle is found in the heart?
- A. Smooth muscle
- B. Cardiac muscle
- C. Skeletal muscle
- D. Striated muscle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cardiac muscle is a specialized type of muscle found only in the heart. It is responsible for the rhythmic contractions that pump blood throughout the body. Unlike smooth and skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle has its own unique structure and function to meet the demands of the heart's continuous pumping action. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of internal organs and blood vessels, not in the heart. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and helps in movement but is not found in the heart. Striated muscle is a broader term that includes both cardiac and skeletal muscle, but specifically, cardiac muscle refers to the muscle tissue of the heart.
5. 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.
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