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HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions, set 20

HESI A2 · anatomy and physiology

HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions set 20

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

Which of the following is not part of the body's secondary defense system?

  1. A. Macrophages
  2. B. Leukocytes
  3. C. T cells
  4. D. Cilia
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Cilia

Cilia are not part of the body's secondary defense system. They are hair-like structures primarily involved in movement and transporting substances across cell surfaces, such as in the respiratory tract for debris and pathogen removal. However, cilia do not play a direct role in the immune response mechanisms characteristic of the body's secondary defense system. Macrophages, leukocytes, and T cells are immune cells that actively participate in the secondary defense system by targeting and eliminating pathogens.

Question 2

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

  1. A. Catalase
  2. B. Lipase
  3. C. Protease
  4. D. Lactase
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Lactase

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.

Question 3

What is the normal pH of human arterial blood?

  1. A. 6.8
  2. B. 7.4
  3. C. 7.9
  4. D. 8.2
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — 7.4

The normal pH of human arterial blood is approximately 7.4. This slightly alkaline pH is crucial for the proper functioning of enzymes and biochemical processes in the body. Any significant deviation from this pH level can result in serious health issues such as acidosis or alkalosis. Choice A (6.8) is incorrect as it is lower than the normal pH of arterial blood, indicating acidity. Choice C (7.9) and Choice D (8.2) are incorrect as they are higher than the normal pH of arterial blood, indicating alkalinity.

Question 4

Which cellular structure is responsible for producing energy?

  1. A. Nucleus
  2. B. Mitochondria
  3. C. Ribosome
  4. D. Golgi apparatus
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Mitochondria

Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing energy in the cell through a process called cellular respiration. They are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell due to their role in generating ATP, the cell's energy currency. The nucleus is not involved in energy production but houses the cell's genetic material. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, not energy production. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins for secretion, not energy production.

Question 5

When an individual is under stress, hormones are released. Which of the following is not one of the locations in which hormones are released when under stress?

  1. A. Posterior pituitary
  2. B. Hypothalamus
  3. C. Adrenal cortex
  4. D. Parathyroid
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Parathyroid

During stress, hormones are released from the adrenal cortex, posterior pituitary, and hypothalamus to help the body respond. The parathyroid gland, however, is not typically involved in the stress response by releasing hormones. The posterior pituitary releases hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin, the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin, while the adrenal cortex releases cortisol and aldosterone in response to stress. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Parathyroid.'

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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 blood cell is primarily responsible for fighting infections?

  1. A. Red blood cells
  2. B. White blood cells
  3. C. Platelets
  4. D. Plasma
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Question 7

What is the primary role of the liver in the body?

  1. A. Producing insulin
  2. B. Detoxifying harmful substances
  3. C. Digesting food
  4. D. Storing energy
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Question 8

Which structure in the ear is responsible for balance?

  1. A. Cochlea
  2. B. Semicircular canals
  3. C. Ossicles
  4. D. Eustachian tube
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Question 9

Which is an anterior feature of the human head?

  1. A. The nose
  2. B. The ears
  3. C. The occipital lobe
  4. D. The temporal lobe
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Question 10

You have been given a sample tissue that has pillar-shaped cells arranged tightly together. The tissue you have is:

  1. A. Squamous Epithelium
  2. B. Cuboidal Epithelium
  3. C. Columnar Epithelium
  4. D. Transitional Epithelium
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

Which mineral is considered an antioxidant?

  1. A. Selenium
  2. B. Calcium
  3. C. Sulfur
  4. D. Iron
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Question 12

What is the average normal body temperature in degrees Celsius?

  1. A. 30°C
  2. B. 32°C
  3. C. 35°C
  4. D. 37°C
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Question 13

What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?

  1. A. To carry oxygen
  2. B. To fight infections
  3. C. To clot blood
  4. D. To transport nutrients
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Question 14

A person who has damage to their ulnar nerve will have decreased sensation in which part of the body?

  1. A. Hand
  2. B. Arm
  3. C. Leg
  4. D. Foot
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Question 15

Enlargement of the thyroid, commonly known as a goiter, might be expected to affect ___________.

  1. A. swallowing
  2. B. insulin levels
  3. C. sleep
  4. D. digestion
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About these HESI A2 anatomy and physiology questions

HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions, set 20 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

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