HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
What is the primary function of the adrenal glands?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the adrenal glands is to regulate metabolism and the body's stress response. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that play a vital role in managing metabolism, immune response, and stress levels. Choice A is incorrect because insulin is produced by the pancreas, not the adrenal glands. Choice C is incorrect because fighting infections is primarily the role of the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of blood pressure involves organs like the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, not the adrenal glands.
Question 2 of 9
What is the function of the medulla oblongata in the brain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To control breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata is a vital part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. These functions are crucial for maintaining life, and the medulla oblongata plays a key role in ensuring the body's survival. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus, coordinating voluntary movements is associated with the cerebellum and motor cortex, and processing sensory information is related to the thalamus and sensory cortex, not the medulla oblongata.
Question 3 of 9
What is the primary function of white blood cells?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, play a crucial role in the immune system by primarily fighting off infections caused by pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. They help the body recognize and destroy these harmful agents, contributing to the body's defense mechanisms against diseases. Choice A is incorrect because the primary function of red blood cells, not white blood cells, is to carry oxygen. Choice C is incorrect as the transportation of nutrients is mainly carried out by the bloodstream as a whole, not specifically by white blood cells. Choice D is incorrect as the process of blood clotting is primarily managed by platelets in the blood, not white blood cells.
Question 4 of 9
Which organ is responsible for filtering and cleaning the blood?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Kidneys. The kidneys are the organs responsible for filtering and cleaning the blood. They remove waste products, regulate electrolyte levels, and help maintain fluid balance in the body through the production of urine. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Lungs are primarily responsible for gas exchange, not blood filtration. B) The heart is responsible for pumping blood, not filtering it. D) The liver plays a role in detoxification and metabolism, but it is not primarily responsible for filtering and cleaning the blood.
Question 5 of 9
Which bone does not articulate with any other bone in the body?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyoid. The hyoid bone is the only bone in the body that does not articulate with any other bones. It is located in the neck and supports the tongue and other muscles involved in swallowing and speech. The scapula articulates with the clavicle and humerus, the radius with the ulna and humerus, and the femur with the pelvis and tibia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they all articulate with other bones in the body.
Question 6 of 9
Which structure is part of both the male reproductive system and the urinary system?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The urethra is the correct answer because it is a tube that is part of both the male reproductive system and the urinary system. It allows urine to pass out of the body as part of the urinary system and also transports semen as part of the male reproductive system. The bladder (Choice A) is solely part of the urinary system, storing urine. The prostate (Choice C) is part of the male reproductive system, secreting fluids that nourish and protect sperm. The seminal vesicle (Choice D) is also part of the male reproductive system, producing seminal fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen.
Question 7 of 9
What is the main function of the nervous system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main function of the nervous system is to control and coordinate body activities by transmitting signals between different parts of the body and responding to internal and external stimuli. This allows for the regulation of body temperature, movement, sensory perception, and various other functions necessary for homeostasis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the primary role of the nervous system. Transporting blood is mainly carried out by the circulatory system, protecting the body from infection is a function of the immune system, and digesting food is the role of the digestive system.
Question 8 of 9
Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for auditory functioning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Temporal lobe. The temporal lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing auditory information, including sound perception, speech recognition, and language comprehension. Damage to the temporal lobe can lead to difficulties in hearing, understanding spoken language, and recognizing familiar sounds. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the frontal lobe is mainly associated with functions such as decision-making and personality, the occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information, and the parietal lobe is involved in sensory functions and spatial processing, not auditory functioning.
Question 9 of 9
What is the main function of the lymphatic system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main function of the lymphatic system is to fight infections. It achieves this by filtering lymph, returning excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream, and aiding in the body's immune response. The lymphatic system is crucial in protecting the body against pathogens and maintaining overall health. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because transporting oxygen, producing hormones, and transporting nutrients are functions performed by other systems in the body, like the respiratory, endocrine, and circulatory systems, respectively.