Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To store and concentrate bile. The gallbladder acts as a reservoir for bile produced by the liver, which is then released into the small intestine to aid in digestion. Bile helps emulsify fats for better absorption. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the gallbladder does not produce bile (the liver does), detoxify harmful substances, or directly break down fats. The primary function of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile for efficient digestion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To break down food. The stomach's main role in digestion is to mechanically and chemically break down food into smaller particles through the churning action of muscles and the secretion of gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid and enzymes. This process prepares the food for further digestion and absorption in the small intestine. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: To absorb nutrients - Absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. C: To secrete digestive enzymes - While the stomach does secrete digestive enzymes, its main function is to break down food, not just to secrete enzymes. D: To transport nutrients - Nutrient absorption and transportation occur in the small intestine, not the stomach.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Detoxifying harmful substances. The liver plays a crucial role in filtering and detoxifying harmful substances like drugs, alcohol, and metabolic waste products. It metabolizes these substances to make them less harmful for elimination from the body. This function is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing damage to other organs. Incorrect Choices: A: Producing insulin - The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, not the liver. C: Digesting food - The liver produces bile that aids in digestion, but its primary role is not digesting food. D: Storing energy - While the liver does store glycogen as an energy reserve, its primary role is not storing energy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To store urine. The urinary bladder serves as a reservoir for storing urine before it is eliminated from the body. It collects and holds urine until a person is ready to excrete it. The other choices are incorrect because: A) The kidneys filter waste from the blood, not the bladder. C) Fluid balance is primarily regulated by the kidneys and hormones, not the bladder. D) Waste removal from the body is mainly carried out by the kidneys and excretory system, not the bladder.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mouth. Digestion begins in the mouth where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and chemically broken down by enzymes in saliva. This initial process prepares food for further digestion in the stomach and small intestine. The stomach (A) primarily functions to further break down food through acid and enzymes. The small intestine (C) is where the majority of nutrients are absorbed, not where digestion begins. The esophagus (D) is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach, but it does not participate in the actual digestion process.