HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which hormone is released by the posterior pituitary gland?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the correct answer. It is released by the posterior pituitary gland and plays a vital role in childbirth and lactation. Oxytocin promotes uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Choice B, Thyroxine, is incorrect as it is produced by the thyroid gland. Choice C, Insulin, is incorrect as it is produced by the pancreas. Choice D, ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone), is also released by the posterior pituitary gland, but it is not the hormone primarily associated with childbirth and lactation.
Question 2 of 9
Which type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs?
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.
Question 3 of 9
Which hormone is released by the posterior pituitary gland?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is the correct answer. It is released by the posterior pituitary gland and plays a vital role in childbirth and lactation. Oxytocin promotes uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Choice B, Thyroxine, is incorrect as it is produced by the thyroid gland. Choice C, Insulin, is incorrect as it is produced by the pancreas. Choice D, ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone), is also released by the posterior pituitary gland, but it is not the hormone primarily associated with childbirth and lactation.
Question 4 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.
Question 5 of 9
Which hormone regulates blood sugar levels?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells. It is produced by the pancreas and helps to lower blood sugar levels when they are too high. Glucagon, on the other hand, works in opposition to insulin by raising blood sugar levels when they are too low. Cortisol and thyroxine play different roles in the body and are not primarily responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
Question 6 of 9
Which vitamin is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vitamin A is the correct answer. It is crucial for maintaining healthy skin as it supports skin cell growth, repair, and overall skin health. Additionally, vitamin A plays a role in vision and immune function. Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to skin issues such as dryness and poor wound healing. Vitamin C is known for its role in collagen synthesis and antioxidant properties, while Vitamin D is important for bone health and immunity. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, but it is not primarily associated with skin health.
Question 7 of 9
Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting as it is necessary for the synthesis of proteins involved in the coagulation process, such as clotting factors. Without sufficient Vitamin K, the blood may not clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding. Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and immune function, Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health, and Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological function. However, when it comes to blood clotting, Vitamin K plays a vital role.
Question 8 of 9
Which gland produces hormones that regulate sleep?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels increasing in the evening to promote sleep and decreasing in the morning to signal wakefulness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol related to stress response, and the pituitary gland controls various functions by releasing different hormones but not specifically related to regulating sleep.
Question 9 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.