HESI A2
HESI A2 Practice Test Anatomy and Physiology Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which vitamin is essential for the absorption of calcium?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium in the intestines, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It helps regulate calcium levels in the blood and promotes bone mineralization, making it an essential vitamin for overall bone health. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function, not specifically for calcium absorption. Vitamin K (Choice C) is essential for blood clotting, while Vitamin C (Choice D) is known for its role in collagen production and antioxidant properties, but not directly related to calcium absorption.
Question 2 of 9
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the bloodstream. Oxygen is taken in during inhalation and transported to cells, while carbon dioxide is removed during exhalation as a waste product of cellular metabolism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary function of the respiratory system. Regulating body temperature is mainly controlled by the thermoregulatory system, fighting infections is a function of the immune system, and producing energy is primarily done by the metabolic system.
Question 3 of 9
Which organelle is responsible for energy production in the cell?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for energy production in the cell. They generate energy through cellular respiration, producing ATP, which is the primary energy currency of the cell. Known as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria play a vital role in meeting the energy demands of various cellular processes. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic material, not energy production. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, not energy production. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, as well as detoxification, but it is not primarily responsible for energy production.
Question 4 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 5 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 6 of 9
What is the primary function of the skeletal system?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the skeletal system is to protect vital organs, provide structural support, and enable movement. It serves as a framework that supports and protects internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Choice A is incorrect because blood cell production primarily occurs in the bone marrow, a component of the skeletal system but not its primary function. Choice C is incorrect because fat storage is not a primary function of the skeletal system. Choice D is incorrect because hormone secretion is mainly regulated by endocrine glands, not the skeletal system.
Question 7 of 9
Which type of blood cell is responsible for carrying oxygen?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red blood cells. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells designed to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs throughout the body. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules in the lungs and releases them in other parts of the body where oxygen is needed for cellular respiration. White blood cells (choice B) are part of the immune system, responsible for fighting infections. Platelets (choice C) are involved in blood clotting. Plasma cells (choice D) are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to help the body fight off infections.
Question 8 of 9
Which vitamin is essential for immune system function?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer. It is essential for immune system function as it helps regulate and support the immune response. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, which is necessary for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Vitamin A is important for vision and skin health, not specifically immune function. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and its role in collagen production, not primarily for immune system function. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health, but it is not directly related to immune system function.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following describes the process of osmosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Osmosis is the process where water molecules move across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This movement of water helps to equalize the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane. The correct description of osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, making choice B the right answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, not solutes, gases, or ions across a membrane.