HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: superior. The skull is positioned superior to the spinal cord because it is located above the spinal cord in the anatomical position. Superior indicates a structure is positioned higher in the body. The skull is superior to the spinal cord as it sits on top of the vertebral column. A: anterior is incorrect as the skull is not located in front of the spinal cord. B: posterior is incorrect as the skull is not located behind the spinal cord. C: lateral is incorrect as the skull is not situated to the side of the spinal cord.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: T4. The thyroid gland primarily secretes thyroxine (T4), which plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy production in the body. Oxytocin (A) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, not the thyroid. TSH (B) is thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to produce T4. Adrenaline (C) is produced by the adrenal glands, not the thyroid. T4 is the main hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, making it the correct answer.

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.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: the radius. The axial skeletal system consists of the skull, ribs, and breastbone, which are all located along the body's central axis. The radius is actually part of the appendicular skeletal system, specifically a bone in the forearm, not part of the axial skeleton. It plays a role in forearm rotation and helps to form the elbow joint. Therefore, the radius is not part of the axial skeletal system, making choice D the correct answer.