HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test Related

Review HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test related questions and content

What are the chemical messengers that control growth, differentiation, and metabolism of specific target cells called?

  • A. Hormones
  • B. Neurons
  • C. Glands
  • D. Second messengers
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands in multicellular organisms. They travel through the bloodstream to specific target cells where they regulate various physiological processes, including growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Neurons (choice B) are nerve cells that transmit nerve impulses and are not responsible for controlling growth, differentiation, or metabolism. Glands (choice C) produce and release hormones but are not the chemical messengers themselves. Second messengers (choice D) are molecules involved in intracellular signal transduction, not the primary chemical messengers controlling growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Therefore, hormones (choice A) are the correct answer as they match the description provided in the question.

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Which type of muscles are involved in peristalsis?

  • A. Smooth muscles
  • B. Cardiac muscles
  • C. Skeletal muscles
  • D. Epaxial muscles
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Peristalsis is a coordinated, wave-like muscular contraction that propels food and other materials through the digestive tract. Smooth muscles are responsible for this movement in the gastrointestinal tract, providing the involuntary contractions needed for peristalsis to occur. Skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles, and epaxial muscles are not directly involved in peristalsis. Cardiac muscles are found in the heart and are responsible for its contraction. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and control voluntary movements. Epaxial muscles are located along the vertebral column and are involved in the movement and stabilization of the spine.

If an impulse is traveling from a sense receptor toward the spinal cord, it is traveling along what type of neuron?

  • A. Motor neuron
  • B. Sensory neuron
  • C. Interneuron
  • D. Bipolar neuron
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sensory neuron. A sensory neuron is responsible for carrying impulses from sensory receptors to the spinal cord. These neurons transmit information about external stimuli from the periphery to the central nervous system for processing and response. Choice A, Motor neuron, is incorrect as motor neurons carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling movement and secretion. Choice C, Interneuron, is incorrect as interneurons act as connectors between sensory and motor neurons, primarily facilitating communication between the two. Choice D, Bipolar neuron, is incorrect as bipolar neurons are specialized sensory neurons found in some sensory organs like the retina of the eye and the olfactory epithelium.

The hypothalamus is part of the ___________.

  • A. cardiovascular system
  • B. endocrine system
  • C. respiratory system
  • D. lymphatic system
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that plays a crucial role in linking the nervous system to the endocrine system. It helps regulate various bodily functions by releasing hormones that signal the pituitary gland to release other hormones that control metabolism, growth, reproduction, sleep, and other important processes. Therefore, the hypothalamus is a key component of the endocrine system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the hypothalamus is not part of the cardiovascular, respiratory, or lymphatic systems.

The skull is positioned ________ to the spinal cord.

  • A. anterior
  • B. posterior
  • C. lateral
  • D. superior
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The skull is superior to the spinal cord, meaning it is located above the spinal cord in anatomical position. Superior in anatomy refers to a structure being positioned higher or above another structure in the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they refer to different directional relationships. Anterior means in front of, posterior means behind, and lateral means to the side. In this case, the relationship between the skull and the spinal cord is based on a superior-inferior orientation.

Which enzyme functions to break down lactose, a specific sugar found in milk and dairy products?

  • A. Catalase
  • B. Lipase
  • C. Protease
  • D. Lactase
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Lactase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products. When lactase breaks down lactose, it splits it into two simpler sugars, glucose, and galactose, which can then be absorbed and used by the body. Catalase is involved in breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for the specific breakdown of lactose.

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