Anatomy and Physiology Hesi A2 Practice Test

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To filter blood and remove old red blood cells. The spleen acts as a blood filter, removing old or damaged red blood cells and recycling their components. This process helps to maintain a healthy balance of red blood cells in the body. The spleen also plays a role in immune function by trapping and removing pathogens from the blood. It does not produce white blood cells (Choice B), store lymphocytes (Choice C), or produce antibodies (Choice D). These functions are typically carried out by other organs in the immune system, such as the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and lymphoid tissues.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vitamin A. Step 1: Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin as it promotes cell growth and repair. Step 2: Vitamin A is crucial for vision as it is a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the retina. Step 3: Vitamin C (choice A) is important for immune function and collagen production, not specifically skin or vision. Vitamin D (choice C) is essential for bone health, not skin or vision. Vitamin K (choice D) is important for blood clotting, not skin or vision.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, serving as a protective barrier. It consists of several layers of cells, including keratinocytes which provide waterproofing and protection. The dermis (choice A) is the layer beneath the epidermis, providing structural support. Subcutaneous tissue (choice C) and hypodermis (choice D) are the deepest layers of the skin, mainly composed of fat cells and connective tissue, playing a role in insulation and cushioning. Therefore, the epidermis is the correct choice as it directly interacts with the external environment and is responsible for protecting the body.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Endocrine glands secrete chemicals into the blood. This is because endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological functions throughout the body. Other choices are incorrect: A is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the blood; C is incorrect because endocrine glands do not filter chemicals from the blood; and D is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the lymphatic system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus releases thyrotrophic-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. It also secretes growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) to stimulate growth hormone release and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to regulate the secretion of gonadotropins (FSH and LH). The other choices are incorrect because: A: Thymus - The thymus is primarily involved in immune function and does not release the mentioned hormones. B: Pituitary gland - While the pituitary gland responds to the hormones released by the hypothalamus, it does not release TRH, GHRH, or GnRH directly. C: Pineal gland - The pineal gland mainly secretes melatonin and is not involved in releasing the mentioned hormones related to growth, thyroid function, and reproduction