HESI A2
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which part of the eye is responsible for color vision?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is option C: Retina. The retina contains photoreceptor cells, including cones that are responsible for color vision. Cones are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, allowing us to perceive and differentiate various colors. Choice A, Cornea, is the transparent outer layer of the eye that helps focus light. It does not play a direct role in color vision. Choice B, Iris, is the colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil and regulates the amount of light entering the eye. While it is essential for adjusting light levels, it is not directly involved in color vision. Choice D, Lens, is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. It helps to form clear images on the retina but does not play a role in color vision.
Question 2 of 9
Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. Located at the back of the brain, the cerebellum plays a crucial role in controlling balance, coordination, and fine motor movements. It receives information from the sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to coordinate voluntary movements and maintain posture. Damage to the cerebellum can result in issues with balance, coordination, and muscle tone. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and problem-solving, the medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heartbeat, and the brainstem serves as a pathway for neural fibers traveling to and from the brain.
Question 3 of 9
What is the most visible part of the ear called?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pinna, also known as the auricle, is the most visible part of the ear. It is responsible for capturing sound waves and directing them into the ear canal, where the process of hearing begins. The other structures mentioned, such as the cochlea, ear canal, and organ of Corti, play crucial roles in the auditory system but are not the most visible parts of the ear. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped cavity responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals. The ear canal is a tube that connects the outer ear to the eardrum. The organ of Corti is the actual sensory organ of hearing located in the cochlea.
Question 4 of 9
Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling balance and coordination?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The cerebellum is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling balance, coordination, and fine motor movements. The cerebrum is mainly associated with higher brain functions such as thinking and decision-making, not specifically balance and coordination. The brainstem is responsible for basic life functions like breathing and heartbeat, while the medulla oblongata is involved in regulating autonomic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Therefore, the cerebellum stands out as the key brain region for maintaining physical control and movement.
Question 5 of 9
Which muscle is involved in the flexion of the forearm?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The biceps brachii muscle is the primary muscle responsible for flexing the forearm at the elbow joint. When the biceps brachii contracts, it causes the forearm to move towards the upper arm, resulting in flexion at the elbow. In contrast, the triceps brachii is responsible for extending the forearm, the deltoid muscle is primarily involved in shoulder movements, and the brachialis muscle also aids in flexion of the forearm but to a lesser extent compared to the biceps brachii.
Question 6 of 9
Which vitamin is essential for the formation of red blood cells?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin B12 is the correct answer. It is crucial for the formation and maturation of red blood cells, playing a vital role in preventing megaloblastic anemia. Additionally, Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining nerve function. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis and immune health, and Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not play a direct role in the formation of red blood cells.
Question 7 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 8 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 9 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).