which type of blood cell is responsible for carrying oxygen
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology

1. Which type of blood cell is responsible for carrying oxygen?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red blood cells. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells designed to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs throughout the body. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and releases them in other parts of the body where oxygen is needed for cellular respiration. White blood cells (choice B) are part of the immune system, responsible for fighting infections. Platelets (choice C) are involved in blood clotting. Plasma cells (choice D) are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to help the body fight off infections.

2. A person who has damage to their ulnar nerve will have decreased sensation in which part of the body?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Damage to the ulnar nerve typically results in decreased sensation in the hand, particularly affecting the little finger and half of the ring finger. The ulnar nerve innervates the hand and is responsible for providing sensation to these areas. This nerve does not extend to the leg or foot, so choices C and D are incorrect. While the ulnar nerve travels through the arm, its primary sensory impact is felt in the hand, making choice B less specific and therefore not the best answer.

3. Which hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Erythropoietin is the correct answer. It is the hormone responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. This hormone promotes the generation of more red blood cells to increase the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Insulin (Choice A), Glucagon (Choice C), and Thyroxine (Choice D) do not stimulate the production of red blood cells. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, Glucagon increases blood sugar levels, and Thyroxine regulates metabolism.

4. What are muscle contractions that normally move food along the human digestive system known as?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle contractions that move food along the human digestive system are known as peristalsis. Peristalsis consists of a series of coordinated muscular contractions and relaxations that help propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. Defecation refers to expelling waste from the body, osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane, and circulation relates to the movement of blood in the body's circulatory system, not directly involved in food transportation along the digestive tract.

5. What is the function of amylase?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breaking down starch. Amylase is an enzyme that specifically functions to break down starch into smaller sugar molecules such as maltose and glucose. This process is essential for the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because amylase does not digest fat, break down protein, or absorb water; its primary function lies in starch digestion.

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