HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs?
- A. Skeletal muscle
- B. Cardiac muscle
- C. Smooth muscle
- D. Striated muscle
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Smooth muscle tissue is found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the intestines, blood vessels, and bladder. It contracts involuntarily, allowing for movements like peristalsis in the intestines and regulation of blood flow in blood vessels. Skeletal muscle (Choice A) is attached to bones and helps in voluntary movements. Cardiac muscle (Choice B) is found in the heart and contracts involuntarily to pump blood. Striated muscle (Choice D) refers to both skeletal and cardiac muscles, which have a striped appearance due to the organization of their filaments. However, smooth muscle (Choice C) is specifically the type found in hollow organs.
2. Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
- A. Cerebellum
- B. Cerebrum
- C. Medulla oblongata
- D. Brainstem
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. Located at the back of the brain, the cerebellum plays a crucial role in controlling balance, coordination, and fine motor movements. It receives information from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to coordinate voluntary movements and maintain posture. Damage to the cerebellum can result in issues with balance, coordination, and muscle tone. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and problem-solving, the medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heartbeat, and the brainstem serves as a pathway for neural fibers traveling to and from the brain.
3. Which mineral is important for the formation of red blood cells?
- A. Selenium
- B. Calcium
- C. Magnesium
- D. Copper
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Copper is crucial for the formation of red blood cells as it is a component of enzymes involved in the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, requires copper for its synthesis. A deficiency in copper can result in anemia due to insufficient production of red blood cells. Selenium, calcium, and magnesium do not play a direct role in red blood cell formation, making them incorrect choices for this question.
4. Which is a secondary defense for the body against pathogens?
- A. Tears
- B. Urine
- C. Inflammation
- D. Mucus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Inflammation is a secondary defense mechanism for the body against pathogens. When tissues are injured or infected, inflammation occurs as a protective response involving increased blood flow, white blood cell migration, and tissue repair. This process helps contain and eliminate pathogens, preventing them from spreading further in the body. Tears (Choice A) are a primary defense containing lysozyme and other antimicrobial agents. Urine (Choice B) is typically considered a non-specific defense mechanism due to its flushing action in the urinary tract. Mucus (Choice D) acts as a physical barrier and traps pathogens, also considered a primary defense mechanism.
5. 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.
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