HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regulation of blood pressure. The adrenal glands produce hormones like adrenaline and aldosterone that help regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid balance and constriction/dilation of blood vessels. Adrenal glands do not directly regulate metabolism (choice A), produce bile (choice B), or produce insulin (choice D). Metabolism is mainly regulated by the thyroid gland, bile is produced in the liver, and insulin is produced in the pancreas. Hence, choices A, B, and D are incorrect in the context of the main function of the adrenal glands.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ligaments. Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones, providing stability to joints. Tendons (A) connect muscles to bones, cartilage (C) is a firm but flexible connective tissue found in joints, and muscles (D) are responsible for movement, not connecting bones. Ligaments specifically serve the function of connecting bones and are essential for joint stability.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vitamin C. Collagen synthesis requires Vitamin C as it is essential for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen, which stabilizes the collagen structure. Vitamin D (choice B) is important for calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin B12 (choice C) is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production. Vitamin K (choice D) is necessary for blood clotting. However, for collagen synthesis specifically, Vitamin C is the key nutrient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To break down food. The stomach's main function is to mechanically and chemically break down food through the action of stomach acids and enzymes. This process prepares the food for further digestion in the small intestine. Option A is incorrect because nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Option C is incorrect as bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not the stomach. Option D is incorrect because waste storage occurs in the large intestine, not the stomach. The process of breaking down food in the stomach is essential for the efficient absorption of nutrients in the digestive system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: B-lymphocytes are produced in the red bone marrow. This is because red bone marrow is the primary site of hematopoiesis in adults, where all blood cells, including B-lymphocytes, are produced. The thymus is responsible for T-lymphocyte maturation, not production. Lymph nodes and spleen are sites where B-lymphocytes can mature and become activated but not produced.