HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test
1. Which brain part is responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure?
- A. Cerebellum
- B. Medulla oblongata
- C. Hypothalamus
- D. Pons
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata, situated in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling essential functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. It contains vital cardiovascular and respiratory centers, making it the correct choice for the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure. The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, not in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically heart rate and blood pressure. The pons is involved in functions like sleep, respiration, and bladder control, not primarily in regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
2. What is the primary role of the stomach in the digestive system?
- A. To absorb nutrients
- B. To break down food
- C. To secrete digestive enzymes
- D. To store glucose
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The primary role of the stomach in the digestive system is to break down food. It accomplishes this through the action of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, which work together to break down food into a semi-liquid mixture known as chyme. Option B, 'To break down food,' is the correct answer. Option A, 'To absorb nutrients,' is incorrect because absorption mainly occurs in the small intestine. Option C, 'To secrete digestive enzymes,' is partially correct as the stomach does secrete digestive enzymes, but its primary function is to break down food. Option D, 'To store glucose,' is incorrect as glucose storage primarily occurs in the liver and muscles, not the stomach.
3. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Medulla oblongata
- C. Cerebellum
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as the control center for automatic functions necessary for survival, making it the correct choice in this scenario. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, so it does not control basic physiological functions like breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, while the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically breathing and heart rate.
4. When the pulmonary valve and aortic valves are open, where can blood flow?
- A. Between the two ventricles of the heart
- B. From atrium to ventricle within the heart
- C. Between the heart and the rest of the body
- D. Between the atria in the heart
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When the pulmonary valve and aortic valves are open, blood can flow between the heart and the rest of the body. The pulmonary valve allows blood to flow from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation, while the aortic valve permits blood to flow from the left ventricle to the rest of the body for distribution of oxygen and nutrients. This circulation pathway ensures that oxygen-rich blood is pumped to the body tissues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because when the pulmonary valve and aortic valves are open, blood is not flowing between the ventricles, from atrium to ventricle, or between the atria; instead, it is being pumped out of the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body.
5. Which of the following epithelial types is correctly matched with its major function?
- A. Simple squamous epithelium – diffusion
- B. Stratified squamous epithelium – protection
- C. Stratified squamous epithelium – diffusion
- D. Simple columnar epithelium – secretion or absorption
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Simple columnar epithelium is indeed primarily responsible for secretion and absorption due to its tall shape and presence of microvilli, which increase surface area for these functions. Simple squamous epithelium is mainly involved in diffusion, allowing for the exchange of gases or nutrients. Stratified squamous epithelium functions more for protection against mechanical stress and pathogens, as it forms a tough, protective barrier due to its many layers.
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