Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Occipital lobe. The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information. It contains the primary visual cortex, which receives and interprets visual stimuli from the eyes. This region processes shapes, colors, and motion. The temporal lobe (A) is involved in memory and auditory processing. The parietal lobe (C) is responsible for spatial awareness and sensory information integration. The frontal lobe (D) is associated with executive functions and motor skills. Thus, the occipital lobe is the correct choice for processing visual information.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: They secrete chemicals into the blood. Endocrine glands are ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. This allows the hormones to travel throughout the body to target organs and tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because endocrine glands do not secrete enzymes into ducts (B), produce sweat (C), or produce saliva (D). These functions are typically associated with exocrine glands that have ducts for secretion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adrenal cortex. During stress, the adrenal cortex secretes cortisol and aldosterone, which help the body respond to stress. The parathyroid gland (A) regulates calcium levels, not stress hormones. The posterior pituitary gland (C) releases hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin, not stress hormones. The hypothalamus (D) plays a role in regulating the stress response by signaling the adrenal cortex to release stress hormones.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To transport oxygen. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues throughout the body. This process is essential for cellular respiration and energy production. Choice A is incorrect because fighting infections is the role of the immune system, not hemoglobin. Choice C is incorrect as hemoglobin primarily carries oxygen, not carbon dioxide. Choice D is incorrect as hemoglobin binds and releases oxygen to tissues, rather than storing it.