HESI A2
Anatomy HESI A2 Questions
Question 1 of 9
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.
Question 2 of 9
Which part of the nervous system includes the femoral, radial, and ulnar nerves?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Somatic. The femoral, radial, and ulnar nerves are all part of the somatic nervous system, responsible for controlling voluntary movements and sensory input. These nerves innervate muscles and skin throughout the body, allowing conscious control of movements and sensations. The somatic nervous system is distinct from the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the autonomic nervous system (B) is responsible for involuntary functions, while the sympathetic (C) and parasympathetic (D) divisions are subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system, not the somatic nervous system.
Question 3 of 9
Which is an anterior muscle of the thigh?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quadriceps femoris. The quadriceps femoris is an anterior muscle located on the front of the thigh. It is composed of four muscles: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. These muscles play a crucial role in extending the knee and are essential for activities like walking, running, and jumping. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not anterior muscles of the thigh. Gluteus maximus is a muscle located in the buttocks, biceps femoris is a muscle of the posterior thigh, and adductor magnus is a muscle of the medial thigh.
Question 4 of 9
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.
Question 5 of 9
Which hormone stimulates milk production in the breasts during lactation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During lactation, the hormone responsible for stimulating milk production in the breasts is 'prolactin.' Prolactin plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining lactation by promoting the development of alveoli in the mammary glands and stimulating milk synthesis. While oxytocin is involved in the ejection of milk from the breasts, it is prolactin that primarily governs milk production. Norepinephrine is not directly involved in milk production, and antidiuretic hormone primarily regulates water balance and blood pressure, not milk production.
Question 6 of 9
What is a common finding in a whiplash injury?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A common finding in a whiplash injury is a traumatic injury to ligaments. Whiplash occurs due to sudden hyperextension and hyperflexion of the neck, leading to strain or tearing of ligaments in the neck. This can manifest as neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. While other complications like cardiopulmonary problems, side-to-side spinal curvature, or eventual herniation of discs are not typically associated with whiplash injuries.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following epithelial types is correctly matched with its major function?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Simple columnar epithelium is indeed primarily responsible for secretion and absorption due to its tall shape and presence of microvilli, which increase surface area for these functions. Simple squamous epithelium is mainly involved in diffusion, allowing for the exchange of gases or nutrients. Stratified squamous epithelium functions more for protection against mechanical stress and pathogens, as it forms a tough, protective barrier due to its many layers.
Question 8 of 9
How is pepsin utilized by the body?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that is essential for breaking down proteins during digestion. It functions by breaking down large protein molecules into smaller peptides, which are further broken down into amino acids for absorption in the intestines. Therefore, option A, 'To break down proteins,' is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the specific function of pepsin in the body.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following processes represents a different level of defense compared to the others?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Among the listed processes, low pH in the stomach, cilia in the trachea, and mucus in the nasal cavity serve as physical barriers that form the first line of defense against pathogens. These barriers work to block pathogens from entering the body. On the other hand, body cells recognizing a pathogen involves the immune response, which operates at a different level of defense. This process is part of the adaptive immune response, where the body's immune cells identify, target, and eliminate specific pathogens to provide a specialized defense after the pathogens have breached the physical barriers. Therefore, body cells recognizing a pathogen represent a different level of defense compared to the other listed processes.