HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions, set 17

HESI A2 · anatomy and physiology

HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions set 17

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 does the parathyroid hormone regulate?

  1. A. Magnesium
  2. B. Calcium
  3. C. Calcitonin
  4. D. Glucocorticoids
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Calcium

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).

Question 2

What substance makes up the pads that provide support between the vertebrae?

  1. A. bone
  2. B. cartilage
  3. C. tendon
  4. D. fat
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — cartilage

Cartilage is the correct answer as it is the substance that makes up the pads between the vertebrae. Cartilage provides cushioning and support between the bones of the spine, allowing for flexibility and preventing friction between the vertebrae. Bone (choice A) is incorrect as it forms the structure of the vertebrae, not the intervertebral discs. Tendon (choice C) is incorrect as it connects muscle to bone and is not found between the vertebrae. Fat (choice D) is incorrect as it is not the substance that makes up the pads between the vertebrae.

Question 3

Which hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells?

  1. A. Insulin
  2. B. Erythropoietin
  3. C. Glucagon
  4. D. Thyroxine
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is the correct answer. It is the hormone responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. This hormone promotes the generation of more red blood cells to increase the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Insulin (Choice A), Glucagon (Choice C), and Thyroxine (Choice D) do not stimulate the production of red blood cells. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, Glucagon increases blood sugar levels, and Thyroxine regulates metabolism.

Question 4

Which gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?

  1. A. Thyroid gland
  2. B. Adrenal gland
  3. C. Pituitary gland
  4. D. Pineal gland
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that regulate many bodily functions, making it a central and vital component of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland (Choice A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like adrenaline, and the pineal gland (Choice D) secretes melatonin, but none of these glands are considered the 'master gland' that controls the functions of other endocrine glands.

Question 5

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

  1. A. To absorb water and form solid waste
  2. B. To produce digestive enzymes
  3. C. To secrete hormones
  4. D. To transport nutrients
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — To absorb water and form solid waste

The correct answer is A. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and form solid waste (feces) for excretion. This process helps in reabsorbing water and electrolytes, resulting in the formation of feces by compacting the waste material. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the large intestine is not responsible for producing digestive enzymes, secreting hormones, or transporting nutrients. These functions are typically associated with other parts of the digestive system.

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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 muscle is under voluntary control?

  1. A. Smooth muscle
  2. B. Cardiac muscle
  3. C. Skeletal muscle
  4. D. Striated muscle
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

Which hormone is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels?

  1. A. Insulin
  2. B. Glucagon
  3. C. Thyroxine
  4. D. Melatonin
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

Which organelle in the cell contains the genetic material?

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

Question 9

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

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

Question 10

Where does digestion begin in the digestive system?

  1. A. Stomach
  2. B. Mouth
  3. C. Small intestine
  4. D. Esophagus
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

Which gland is responsible for regulating metabolism?

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

Question 12

The sebaceous glands are part of which system?

  1. A. Endocrine system
  2. B. Digestive system
  3. C. Respiratory system
  4. D. Integumentary system
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Question 13

During an interview, the nurse states, 'You mentioned shortness of breath. Tell me more about that.' Which verbal skill is used with this statement?

  1. A. Reflection
  2. B. Facilitation
  3. C. Direct question
  4. D. Open-ended question
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Question 14

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

  1. A. Regulating blood pressure
  2. B. Filtering blood to remove waste
  3. C. Producing red blood cells
  4. D. Regulating electrolyte balance
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

The hypothalamus is part of the ___________.

  1. A. cardiovascular system
  2. B. endocrine system
  3. C. respiratory system
  4. D. lymphatic system
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About these HESI A2 anatomy and physiology questions

HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions, set 17 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.