HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test
1. 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.
2. What is the function of the medulla oblongata in the brain?
- A. To control breathing and heart rate
- B. To regulate body temperature
- C. To coordinate voluntary movements
- D. To process sensory information
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To control breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata is a vital part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. These functions are crucial for maintaining life, and the medulla oblongata plays a key role in ensuring the body's survival. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus, coordinating voluntary movements is associated with the cerebellum and motor cortex, and processing sensory information is related to the thalamus and sensory cortex, not the medulla oblongata.
3. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system?
- A. Regulating blood pressure
- B. Filtering blood to remove waste
- C. Producing red blood cells
- D. Regulating electrolyte balance
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the kidneys in the urinary system is to filter blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, which are then excreted as urine. Kidneys act as a filtration system, removing waste like urea, excess salts, and toxins. While the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure by secreting renin and maintaining electrolyte balance by adjusting the levels of sodium, potassium, and other ions in the blood, their main and essential function is filtration and waste removal, making choice B the correct answer.
4. Where is a herniated lumbar disc most likely to cause pain?
- A. Along the radial nerve
- B. Within the spinal cord
- C. Along the sciatic nerve
- D. Along the tibial nerve
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A herniated lumbar disc is most likely to cause pain along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Compression of the sciatic nerve by a herniated disc can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the leg. This condition is commonly referred to as sciatica. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a herniated lumbar disc typically affects the sciatic nerve, not the radial nerve, spinal cord, or tibial nerve.
5. Where do nearly all of the gaseous exchanges between air and blood take place in the lungs?
- A. Pleura
- B. Trachea
- C. Bronchioles
- D. Alveoli
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Nearly all gaseous exchanges between air and blood take place in the alveoli of the lungs. The walls of the alveoli are thin and surrounded by an extensive network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Oxygen from the air diffuses through the alveoli walls and into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled out of the body. This process is essential for respiration and providing oxygen to the body's cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Pleura is the membrane surrounding the lungs, trachea is the windpipe that carries air to the lungs, and bronchioles are the smaller air passages in the lungs. However, the primary site for gaseous exchange is the alveoli due to their structure and function.
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