HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which gland regulates the body's metabolic rate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating the body's metabolic rate by producing hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a crucial role in controlling the body's metabolism, affecting processes like growth, energy production, and temperature regulation. The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' but primarily regulates other endocrine glands by releasing hormones that stimulate their function. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which are involved in the body's response to stress. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms, but is not directly involved in regulating metabolic rate.
Question 2 of 9
Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating body temperature?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, along with controlling other autonomic functions like hunger, thirst, and sleep. It acts as the body's internal thermostat, helping to maintain a stable internal environment despite external temperature changes. The cerebrum is mainly associated with functions like thinking, perception, and voluntary movements, making it unrelated to regulating body temperature. The cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating body temperature. The brainstem is essential for basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating body temperature.
Question 3 of 9
Which gland is often referred to as the 'master gland'?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' because it controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes a variety of hormones that regulate various bodily functions and play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. The thyroid gland (Choice A) plays a role in regulating metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice C) secretes hormones involved in stress response, and the pineal gland (Choice D) produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles, but they are not known as the 'master gland' due to their functions.
Question 4 of 9
Which type of muscle tissue is under voluntary control?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Skeletal muscle is under voluntary control, allowing conscious regulation for activities like walking and lifting. This type of muscle is attached to bones and is responsible for movement in the body. Smooth muscle (Choice A) is involuntary and found in organs like the stomach and intestines. Cardiac muscle (Choice B and D) is also involuntary and specific to the heart, contracting rhythmically to pump blood, but it is not under conscious control.
Question 5 of 9
Which hormone is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, regulates the sleep-wake cycle by responding to light and darkness in the environment. It plays a crucial role in signaling the body when it's time to sleep and wake up, helping to establish and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Thyroxine, Insulin, and Cortisol do not directly regulate the sleep-wake cycle, making them incorrect choices for this question.
Question 6 of 9
Which vitamin is important for vision?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions. It plays a key role in the health of the retina and is necessary for the proper functioning of the eye. Deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to night blindness and other vision problems. Vitamin C is important for the immune system and skin health, not specifically for vision. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and overall well-being, but it is not directly related to vision. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting, but it is not specifically linked to vision.
Question 7 of 9
Which gland regulates the body's metabolic rate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating the body's metabolic rate by producing hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a crucial role in controlling the body's metabolism, affecting processes like growth, energy production, and temperature regulation. The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' but primarily regulates other endocrine glands by releasing hormones that stimulate their function. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which are involved in the body's response to stress. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms, but is not directly involved in regulating metabolic rate.
Question 8 of 9
What is the function of the pancreas in digestion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Secreting digestive enzymes. The pancreas aids in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that are essential for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes help in the absorption of nutrients from food, facilitating the digestive process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The pancreas does not produce bile (choice B), store glucose (choice C), or primarily regulate blood sugar levels (choice D) in the context of digestion.
Question 9 of 9
Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium in the intestines. It aids in maintaining optimal calcium levels in the body, promoting strong bones and teeth. Without sufficient Vitamin D, the absorption of calcium can be compromised, leading to potential issues with bone health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Vitamin A is essential for vision, skin health, and immune function. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone metabolism. Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and immune function, but it is not directly involved in calcium absorption.