HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: anterior. The ribs are located in front of the lungs, making them anterior to the lungs. This is because when referring to anatomical positions, anterior means towards the front of the body. Ribs protect and support the lungs, which are situated deeper in the body. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the ribs are not positioned medially, superiorly, or deeply in relation to the lungs. Medial refers to being towards the midline of the body, superior means above, and deep indicates being further away from the surface. Therefore, the most accurate description of the relationship between the ribs and lungs is that the ribs are anterior to the lungs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Enlargement of the thyroid can compress the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing. The goiter may cause pressure on the neck and interfere with the normal swallowing process. This can result in symptoms such as throat tightness, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Incorrect choices: B: Insulin levels are regulated by the pancreas, not the thyroid. C: The thyroid enlargement does not directly impact sleep. D: Digestion is primarily controlled by the stomach and intestines, not the thyroid.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by endocrine glands and control growth, differentiation, and metabolism of specific target cells. They are released into the bloodstream and travel to target cells to elicit a response. Neurons (B) are nerve cells that transmit electrical signals, not chemical messengers. Glands (C) are structures that produce and secrete substances, including hormones, but they are not the chemical messengers themselves. Second messengers (D) are molecules involved in signal transduction pathways within cells, not the primary chemical messengers that control growth, differentiation, and metabolism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adrenal. The adrenal gland is located superior to the kidney in the human body. The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that sit on top of each kidney. They are responsible for producing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. The other choices (A: Pituitary, C: Hypothalamus, D: Pancreas) are not located superior to the kidney. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, the hypothalamus is located above the pituitary gland, and the pancreas is located in the abdomen behind the stomach.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transverse. A transverse plane, also known as a horizontal plane, divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions. This plane would be used to separate the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity because it runs horizontally across the body at the level of the diaphragm, which separates these two cavities. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. C: Frontal plane divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions. D: Coronal plane is not a recognized anatomical term and is often used interchangeably with frontal plane.