HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To clot blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, have a primary function in blood clotting. They help in the process of coagulation, forming clots to prevent excessive bleeding when injuries occur. Platelets play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system by sealing off damaged blood vessels and promoting wound healing. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because platelets do not carry oxygen, fight infections, or transport nutrients in the blood.
Question 2 of 9
Which vitamin is essential for bone health?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It is essential for bone health as it helps in the absorption of calcium, a crucial mineral for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Adequate levels of Vitamin D are necessary to prevent conditions like osteoporosis and ensure optimal bone development and strength. Choice A, Vitamin A, is important for vision and immune function, but it is not directly related to bone health. Choice C, Vitamin C, is essential for collagen synthesis and immune function, but it is not primarily responsible for bone health. Choice D, Vitamin K, plays a role in blood clotting and bone metabolism, but Vitamin D has a more direct impact on bone health through its role in calcium absorption.
Question 3 of 9
What is the role of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The spleen plays a crucial role in the lymphatic system by filtering blood, specifically removing old or damaged red blood cells. Additionally, the spleen produces lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response by helping to fight off infections. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as the spleen is primarily involved in blood filtration and the production of lymphocytes rather than storing vitamins or regulating body temperature.
Question 4 of 9
What is the role of enzymes in the body?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate and speed up chemical reactions in the body. They do not produce energy but enable various processes such as digestion and metabolism by lowering the activation energy required for reactions to occur. Choice A is incorrect because enzymes do not produce energy themselves but assist in energy production through reactions. Choice C is incorrect as enzymes do not primarily function in transporting molecules, although some may have a role in specific transport processes. Choice D is incorrect as the primary role of enzymes is not to repair tissues, but rather to catalyze biochemical reactions.
Question 5 of 9
What type of joint is found at the elbow?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hinge. A hinge joint, such as the one found at the elbow, allows for movement primarily in one plane, enabling flexion and extension similar to the movement of a door hinge. This joint structure permits bending and straightening of the arm, controlling the range of motion in a specific direction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A ball and socket joint allows for multi-axial movement like the hip joint, a pivot joint allows for rotation around an axis like the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae, and a saddle joint allows for movement in two planes at right angles to each other like the joint at the base of the thumb.
Question 6 of 9
Which cellular structure is responsible for protein synthesis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ribosome. Ribosomes, the cellular structures located in the cytoplasm or on the endoplasmic reticulum, are responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. They are the sites where mRNA is translated into proteins, making them essential for the synthesis of proteins in all living cells. The other choices, such as the nucleus (choice A), endoplasmic reticulum (choice C), and Golgi apparatus (choice D), are not directly involved in protein synthesis. The nucleus contains DNA and is responsible for housing the genetic material, the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein folding and transport, and the Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins.
Question 7 of 9
What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To transport oxygen.' Hemoglobin in red blood cells plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen. It binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to the body's tissues and organs for cellular respiration. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin's primary function is to bind and transport oxygen, not to fight infections, carry carbon dioxide, or store oxygen.
Question 8 of 9
What is the role of the stomach in digestion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To break down food. The stomach's primary function in digestion is to mechanically and chemically break down food. It achieves this by utilizing gastric acid and digestive enzymes to convert food into chyme, a semi-liquid mixture. The chyme is then passed to the small intestine for further processing and absorption of nutrients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the stomach's main role is not to absorb nutrients, secrete digestive enzymes, or transport nutrients; instead, it primarily focuses on breaking down food.
Question 9 of 9
What is the name of the structure that prevents food from entering the airway?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the airway. It acts as a lid over the trachea during swallowing, directing food to the esophagus instead of the windpipe (trachea). The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that allows air to pass into the lungs, the esophagus (Choice B) is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, and the diaphragm (Choice C) is a muscle involved in breathing and not in preventing food passage.