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: D

Rationale: The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli are all part of the lower respiratory tract, involved in gas exchange within the lungs. Therefore, none of the above options are part of the upper respiratory tract. The correct answer is D.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The gall bladder belongs to the digestive system. It stores bile produced by the liver, which aids in the digestion of fats in the small intestine. The endocrine system (A) regulates hormones, the urinary system (B) filters and eliminates waste, and the nervous system (D) controls body functions through nerve signals. The gall bladder's primary function of storing bile for digestion aligns with its classification within the digestive system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a cut through the transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts. This is a true cross-section, providing a view of structures perpendicular to the long axis of the body. Choices A, B, and C do not result in a true cross-section as they do not divide the body into distinct superior and inferior parts. A sagittal or frontal section (choice A) divides the body into left and right or front and back parts, a cut along the coronal plane (choice B) divides the body into anterior and posterior parts, and a cut along the median plane (choice C) divides the body into equal left and right halves.