HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which hormone is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. It promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, reducing blood sugar levels. Glucagon, on the other hand, works to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into glucose and releasing it into the bloodstream. Somatostatin regulates the endocrine system and inhibits the release of insulin and glucagon. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas, and it plays a role in stress response and metabolism, but it does not directly lower blood glucose levels.
Question 2 of 9
What is a primary function of the skeletal system?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Support and protection. The primary functions of the skeletal system include providing structural support to the body and protecting internal organs. While the skeletal system also plays a role in hematopoiesis (production of blood cells) and stores minerals, its main function is to support the body's framework and protect vital organs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the primary functions of the skeletal system.
Question 3 of 9
What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To transport oxygen and nutrients.' The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells throughout the body and remove waste products. Choice B is incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily the function of the body's thermoregulatory system, including sweat glands and blood vessels near the skin surface. Choice C is incorrect because while the cardiovascular system does help remove waste products through circulation, it is not its primary function. Choice D is incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands, not the cardiovascular system.
Question 4 of 9
Which hormone is involved in the fight or flight response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adrenaline. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is the hormone involved in the fight or flight response. It is released by the adrenal glands, preparing the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores. Choice A, Cortisol, is a hormone released in response to stress but is not directly involved in the fight or flight response. Choice C, Thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and growth, not specifically associated with the fight or flight response. Choice D, Melatonin, is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not involved in the fight or flight response.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following hormones is responsible for regulating metabolism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, is the hormone responsible for regulating metabolism. It plays a fundamental role in controlling the body's metabolic rate, affecting processes such as energy production and utilization. Thyroxine also influences growth and development in the body. Choice A, Insulin, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting the storage of glucose. While insulin has an impact on metabolism, it is not primarily responsible for regulating overall metabolic rate. Choice C, Glucagon, acts in opposition to insulin, stimulating the release of glucose from the liver to increase blood sugar levels. Glucagon primarily targets glucose regulation rather than overall metabolism. Choice D, Cortisol, is known as the stress hormone and plays a role in the body's response to stress, regulation of blood pressure, immune function, and anti-inflammatory actions. While cortisol can have some effects on metabolism during stress responses, it is not the primary hormone responsible for regulating overall metabolic rate.
Question 6 of 9
Which type of muscle tissue is voluntary?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is a type of voluntary muscle tissue, allowing conscious control over its movement. Unlike smooth and cardiac muscle, which are involuntary, skeletal muscle is under direct voluntary control. Cardiac muscle (choice A) is involuntary and found in the heart. Smooth muscle (choice C) is also involuntary and found in the walls of internal organs. While skeletal muscle is striated (contains stripes), choice D is not the best answer as it does not specifically address the voluntary nature of skeletal muscle.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following is the largest organ in the human body?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It serves as a protective barrier against the environment, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information. The liver, brain, and heart are vital organs, but they are not as extensive as the skin. The liver is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolism. The brain is the control center of the body, coordinating various functions. The heart is a crucial organ that pumps blood throughout the body. However, in terms of size, the skin surpasses all of these organs.
Question 8 of 9
What is the function of the liver in the body?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To produce bile and detoxify substances.' The liver's primary functions include producing bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats, and detoxifying harmful substances in the blood. While the liver does play a role in blood filtration, its key functions are related to bile production and detoxification. Choices C and D are incorrect because the liver does not produce insulin (produced by the pancreas) or red blood cells (produced in the bone marrow).
Question 9 of 9
Which structure in the kidney filters blood?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the Glomerulus. The glomerulus is a network of tiny blood vessels located within the Bowman's capsule. It acts as the initial filtering component in the nephron, filtering blood and allowing waste products and excess substances to pass through to form urine. Choice A, Nephron, is incorrect as the nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney composed of several parts, including the glomerulus. Choice C, Bowman's capsule, is where the glomerulus is located, but it is not the structure responsible for filtering blood. Choice D, Loop of Henle, plays a role in reabsorption of water and electrolytes but is not the primary structure for blood filtration in the kidney.