Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the liver is responsible for producing enzymes essential for metabolism. Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions involved in breaking down nutrients and creating energy. Storing glucose (A) is mainly done by the liver and muscles, secreting bile (B) is the primary function of the gallbladder, and detoxifying harmful substances (C) is also a crucial role of the liver but not directly related to metabolism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The function of the alveoli in the lungs is to exchange gases. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. This exchange process is crucial for maintaining proper oxygen levels in the blood and removing carbon dioxide, a waste product. Option A is incorrect because the alveoli do not absorb oxygen but facilitate its exchange. Option B is incorrect because while the alveoli do remove carbon dioxide, their primary function is gas exchange. Option D is incorrect as the alveoli do not regulate blood pressure but are essential for gas exchange in the respiratory system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thymus. The thymus is not a principal organ of the nervous system; it is part of the immune system. The brain (A), ganglia (C), and spinal cord (D) are all essential components of the nervous system. The brain is the main control center, ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system, and the spinal cord is a major pathway for transmitting nerve signals. Therefore, the thymus stands out as the only choice that is not directly related to the nervous system, making it the correct answer in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To store urine. The urinary bladder is a muscular organ that serves as a reservoir for urine produced by the kidneys. It temporarily stores urine until it is ready to be excreted from the body. Filtering blood (A) is the function of the kidneys, storing and concentrating bile (B) is the function of the gallbladder, and absorbing nutrients (D) mostly occurs in the small intestine. Therefore, the main function of the urinary bladder is to store urine before it is eliminated from the body.

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.