HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Urinary and reproductive. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body (urinary system) and also serves as the passageway for semen in males (reproductive system). The other choices are incorrect because the urethra is not part of the endocrine system (choice A), digestive system (choice D), or cardiovascular system (choice D). The urinary and reproductive systems are closely related in terms of anatomy and function, making choice B the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that initiates the preparation of the endometrium for pregnancy by promoting the thickening of the uterine lining and creating a suitable environment for implantation. It is produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation and plays a crucial role in maintaining the uterine lining during early pregnancy. A: FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) is responsible for stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles but does not directly prepare the endometrium for pregnancy. B: Estrogen helps in the growth and development of the endometrium but is not the hormone that specifically initiates its preparation for pregnancy. C: LH (Luteinizing hormone) triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum, which then produces progesterone. While LH is important in the menstrual cycle, it does not directly initiate endometrial preparation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (7.4). Arterial blood pH must be maintained within a narrow range for proper physiological function. The normal pH of arterial blood is around 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. Deviations from this range can lead to serious health issues. Choice A (6.8) is too acidic for arterial blood, which would indicate acidosis. Choice C (7.9) and D (8.2) are too alkaline, which would indicate alkalosis. Therefore, the correct answer is B (7.4) as it falls within the normal physiological pH range for arterial blood.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because muscles attached to tendons contract to bend the skeleton at the joints, allowing movement. Muscles work in pairs to pull on bones, causing movement at the joints. This collaboration between muscles and the skeletal system enables various body movements. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because bones provide structure and support for muscles, not the other way around. Choice C is incorrect because cardiac muscles are not involved in the collaboration between the muscular and skeletal systems for movement. Choice D is incorrect because smooth muscles on internal organs have no direct role in facilitating movement or mineral regulation in bones.

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.