which part of the brain is responsible for regulating breathing and heart rate
Logo

Nursing Elites

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating breathing and heart rate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Medulla oblongata. This structure, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as a control center for autonomic functions necessary for maintaining life. The Cerebrum (Choice A) is mainly responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movements, not for regulating basic physiological processes like breathing and heart rate. The Cerebellum (Choice C) is involved in coordination, balance, and muscle control, but not in regulating breathing and heart rate. The Hypothalamus (Choice D) plays a role in regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but it is not primarily responsible for controlling breathing and heart rate.

2. The motor cortex helps the brain by monitoring and controlling the body's movement. Where is the motor cortex located within the brain?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Front portion of the parietal lobe. The motor cortex is located in the frontal lobe, specifically in the front portion of the parietal lobe. It is responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as the motor cortex is not located at the back of the head, top middle portion of the parietal lobe, or around the auditory cortex.

3. Enlargement of the thyroid, commonly known as a goiter, might be expected to affect ___________.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enlargement of the thyroid, known as a goiter, can compress the nearby structures in the neck, including the esophagus. This compression can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or a sensation of pressure in the throat. Therefore, an enlarged thyroid gland is expected to affect swallowing. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a goiter primarily affects structures in the neck due to its physical enlargement, rather than directly impacting insulin levels, sleep, or digestion.

4. Which of the following endocrine system glands releases the thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for releasing key hormones like thyrotrophic-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. These hormones play essential roles in regulating various body functions by influencing the activities of other endocrine glands. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the thymus is involved in immune function, the pituitary gland releases different hormones, and the pineal gland primarily produces melatonin, not the hormones mentioned in the question.

5. Which muscle is involved in the flexion of the forearm?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The biceps brachii muscle is the primary muscle responsible for flexing the forearm at the elbow joint. When the biceps brachii contracts, it causes the forearm to move towards the upper arm, resulting in flexion at the elbow. In contrast, the triceps brachii is responsible for extending the forearm, the deltoid muscle is primarily involved in shoulder movements, and the brachialis muscle also aids in flexion of the forearm but to a lesser extent compared to the biceps brachii.

Similar Questions

Which gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?
Which structure of the respiratory system is involved in gas exchange?
Which part of the brain is responsible for processing emotions?
Which cellular structure is responsible for producing energy?
Which cellular structure is responsible for protein synthesis?

Access More Features

HESI A2 Basic
$99/ 30 days

  • 3,000 Questions with answers
  • 30 days access

HESI A2 Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • Actual HESI A2 Questions
  • 3,000 questions with answers
  • 90 days access

Other Courses