which structure in the ear is responsible for balance
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Nursing Elites

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which structure in the ear is responsible for balance?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The semicircular canals in the inner ear are responsible for maintaining balance by detecting changes in head position and movement. These structures contain fluid and hair cells that send signals to the brain regarding the body's orientation in space, helping us stay balanced and navigate our surroundings. The cochlea is responsible for hearing, the ossicles are involved in sound transmission, and the Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear, but they are not directly related to balance.

2. How does the skeletal system work with the nervous system?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The skeletal system collaborates with the nervous system by providing protection and support for critical nervous system components. The vertebrae of the spine play a crucial role in safeguarding the spinal cord, a key component of the nervous system responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the body. Protecting the spinal cord is essential to prevent neurological complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while bones do play a role in body position and can sense pain, the primary focus of the skeletal system's interaction with the nervous system is to protect vital components like the spinal cord, rather than generating nerve cells.

3. What is the main component of the cell membrane?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main component of the cell membrane is the phospholipid bilayer, which is primarily composed of lipids. Lipids form a barrier that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment, providing structural integrity and regulating the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Proteins are also essential components of the cell membrane, serving various functions such as transport, signaling, and cell recognition. Carbohydrates are present in the form of glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell membrane surface, contributing to cell-cell recognition. Nucleic acids are not a primary component of the cell membrane.

4. Where would you be likely to find a Schwann cell?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Schwann cells are a type of neuroglia found in the peripheral nervous system. They are responsible for producing the myelin sheath around axons of neurons, which helps with the conduction of nerve impulses. Therefore, Schwann cells are typically found in the nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Schwann cells are specifically associated with the nervous system and are not found in the digestive, skeletal, or muscular systems.

5. You have been given a sample tissue that has pillar-shaped cells arranged tightly together. The tissue you have is:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Columnar Epithelium. Columnar epithelium is characterized by tall, pillar-like cells that are closely packed together. This arrangement allows for absorption and secretion in tissues like the digestive tract, where this type of epithelium is commonly found. Squamous epithelium (choice A) consists of flat cells, cuboidal epithelium (choice B) has cube-shaped cells, and transitional epithelium (choice D) is found in areas that need to stretch and expand, like the urinary bladder.

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