HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is not part of the body's secondary defense system?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cilia are not part of the body's secondary defense system. They are hair-like structures primarily involved in movement and transporting substances across cell surfaces, such as in the respiratory tract for debris and pathogen removal. However, cilia do not play a direct role in the immune response mechanisms characteristic of the body's secondary defense system. Macrophages, leukocytes, and T cells are immune cells that actively participate in the secondary defense system by targeting and eliminating pathogens.
Question 2 of 9
To which system do the retinas belong?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The retinas belong to the nervous system. The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for detecting light and sending visual information to the brain through the optic nerve. This process is essential for vision, which is controlled by the nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the retinas have no association with the skeletal, lymphatic, or circulatory systems.
Question 3 of 9
Which organ system is largely responsible for controlling stress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The endocrine system is largely responsible for controlling stress through the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones help regulate the body's response to stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy production. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in the body's stress response and helps the body adapt to and cope with stressful situations. The digestive system (Choice B) is primarily responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, not controlling stress. The lymphatic system (Choice C) is responsible for immune function and maintaining fluid balance, not controlling stress. The respiratory system (Choice D) is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, not controlling stress.
Question 4 of 9
Where is a gallstone most likely to cause pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A gallstone is most likely to cause pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. This specific area corresponds to the location of the gallbladder. When a gallstone blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder, it can lead to inflammation and pain in this region. The pain may also radiate to the back or right shoulder blade due to referred pain patterns associated with gallbladder issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because gallstone pain is typically felt in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, not the lower right quadrant, umbilical region, or along the pelvic girdle.
Question 5 of 9
Which mineral is considered an antioxidant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Selenium is the correct answer. It is considered an antioxidant mineral that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Selenium is an essential component of the body's antioxidant defense system, promoting overall health and well-being. Calcium (Choice B), Sulfur (Choice C), and Iron (Choice D) are not typically classified as antioxidant minerals. While these minerals have other important functions in the body, they do not primarily act as antioxidants like selenium.
Question 6 of 9
What is the first step in pulmonary circulation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs. The first step in pulmonary circulation involves the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery then carries this deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. This step is crucial for the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen to occur in the lungs, facilitating the oxygenation of blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the initial step in pulmonary circulation. Option A refers to blood moving away from the heart, option C describes the gas exchange process that occurs in the lungs but not as the first step, and option D mentions oxygenated blood moving through the aorta, which happens after oxygenation in the lungs.
Question 7 of 9
How does the skeletal system work with the nervous system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The skeletal system collaborates with the nervous system by providing protection and support for critical nervous system components. The vertebrae of the spine play a crucial role in safeguarding the spinal cord, a key component of the nervous system responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the body. Protecting the spinal cord is essential to prevent neurological complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while bones do play a role in body position and can sense pain, the primary focus of the skeletal system's interaction with the nervous system is to protect vital components like the spinal cord, rather than generating nerve cells.
Question 8 of 9
You have been given a sample tissue that has pillar-shaped cells arranged tightly together. The tissue you have is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Columnar Epithelium. Columnar epithelium is characterized by tall, pillar-like cells that are closely packed together. This arrangement allows for absorption and secretion in tissues like the digestive tract, where this type of epithelium is commonly found. Squamous epithelium (choice A) consists of flat cells, cuboidal epithelium (choice B) has cube-shaped cells, and transitional epithelium (choice D) is found in areas that need to stretch and expand, like the urinary bladder.
Question 9 of 9
What does the parathyroid hormone regulate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The parathyroid hormone primarily regulates calcium levels in the blood. It acts to increase calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bones, enhancing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and promoting the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, which aids in calcium absorption from the intestines. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the parathyroid hormone does not play a significant role in the regulation of magnesium (Choice A), calcitonin (Choice C), or glucocorticoids (Choice D).