HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions, set 10

HESI A2 · anatomy and physiology

HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions set 10

You name structures and functions out loud — the HESI A2 module that sinks most retakes. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the HESI A2 exam guide or more HESI A2 practice questions.

Five anatomy and physiology questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

What is the main function of the skeletal system?

  1. A. To produce red blood cells
  2. B. To protect internal organs and provide support
  3. C. To regulate body temperature
  4. D. To store calcium
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — To protect internal organs and provide support

The main function of the skeletal system is to provide structural support, protect internal organs, enable movement, and maintain the body's form. Choice A, 'To produce red blood cells,' is incorrect as the skeletal system's role in blood cell production is through the bone marrow, not its main function. Choice C, 'To regulate body temperature,' is incorrect as the skeletal system is not primarily responsible for regulating body temperature. Choice D, 'To store calcium,' is partially correct as the skeletal system does store calcium but this is not its main function; instead, it is essential for bone strength and muscle function.

Question 2

Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

  1. A. Cerebrum
  2. B. Medulla oblongata
  3. C. Cerebellum
  4. D. Hypothalamus
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Medulla oblongata

The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in controlling vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as the control center for automatic functions necessary for survival, making it the correct choice in this scenario. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, so it does not control basic physiological functions like breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, while the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but not specifically breathing and heart rate.

Question 3

Which of the following statements best describes endocrine glands?

  1. A. They absorb chemicals from the blood
  2. B. They secrete chemicals into the blood
  3. C. They filter chemicals from the blood
  4. D. They absorb chemicals from the lymphatic system
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — They secrete chemicals into the blood

The correct answer is B: 'They secrete chemicals into the blood.' Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions. This process helps in maintaining homeostasis and coordinating different physiological processes within the body. Choice A is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the blood; instead, they release hormones. Choice C is incorrect as endocrine glands do not filter chemicals from the blood; they secrete hormones. Choice D is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the lymphatic system; they release hormones into the bloodstream.

Question 4

Which hormone is released during the body's fight-or-flight response?

  1. A. Insulin
  2. B. Adrenaline
  3. C. Thyroxine
  4. D. Cortisol
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Adrenaline

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is released during the body's fight-or-flight response. This hormone prepares the body for rapid action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs in response to stress or danger. Insulin is not released during the fight-or-flight response; its primary role is to regulate blood sugar levels. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, and cortisol is released in response to stress to regulate various bodily functions, but adrenaline is the hormone specifically associated with the fight-or-flight response.

Question 5

What is the function of the kidneys in the urinary system?

  1. A. To filter blood and remove waste
  2. B. To produce red blood cells
  3. C. To regulate blood pressure
  4. D. To absorb water
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — To filter blood and remove waste

The correct answer is A: 'To filter blood and remove waste.' The kidneys play a crucial role in the urinary system by filtering blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, which are then excreted as urine. This process helps maintain the body's internal balance by regulating electrolyte levels and controlling blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the kidneys do not produce red blood cells (bone marrow does), regulate blood pressure directly (although they indirectly influence it through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), or absorb water (they regulate water balance but do not absorb water).

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.

Ten more HESI A2 anatomy and physiology questions

Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.

Question 6

Which type of joint allows for movement in multiple directions?

  1. A. Hinge joint
  2. B. Ball and socket joint
  3. C. Pivot joint
  4. D. Saddle joint
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?

  1. A. To secrete digestive enzymes
  2. B. To store bile
  3. C. To absorb nutrients
  4. D. To transport glucose
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

Which gland is responsible for producing adrenaline?

  1. A. Thyroid gland
  2. B. Adrenal gland
  3. C. Pituitary gland
  4. D. Pineal gland
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

Which part of the brain is responsible for balance and coordination?

  1. A. Cerebellum
  2. B. Cerebrum
  3. C. Medulla oblongata
  4. D. Hypothalamus
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?

  1. A. To filter blood and remove old red blood cells
  2. B. To produce white blood cells
  3. C. To store lymphocytes
  4. D. To produce antibodies
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

Which cellular structure is responsible for energy production?

  1. A. Nucleus
  2. B. Mitochondria
  3. C. Ribosome
  4. D. Golgi apparatus
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

Which organelle is responsible for energy production in the cell?

  1. A. Nucleus
  2. B. Mitochondria
  3. C. Ribosomes
  4. D. Endoplasmic reticulum
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

What is the function of the liver in the digestive system?

  1. A. To store glucose
  2. B. To produce bile
  3. C. To detoxify harmful substances
  4. D. To absorb nutrients
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

What is the main function of the nervous system?

  1. A. Transporting blood
  2. B. Protecting the body from infection
  3. C. Regulating body temperature
  4. D. Digesting food
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

Which brain region is involved in memory formation?

  1. A. Cerebellum
  2. B. Hippocampus
  3. C. Brainstem
  4. D. Frontal lobe
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these HESI A2 anatomy and physiology questions

HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions, set 10 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the HESI A2 exam guide.

The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.