HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Primary peristalsis occurs in the esophagus. This process involves coordinated muscle contractions that push food from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus contains smooth muscles that contract rhythmically to propel food downwards. In contrast, the stomach's main function is to mix and churn food with gastric juices, not conduct peristalsis. The nervous system plays a role in regulating peristalsis but is not the location where it occurs. The small intestine is primarily involved in digestion and absorption of nutrients, not peristalsis. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as the esophagus is where primary peristalsis takes place.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 26. The human foot consists of 26 bones, including the tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges. Understanding human anatomy is crucial for healthcare professionals and students. Choice A (6) is too few for the complexity of the foot structure. Choice B (16) is close but doesn't account for all the bones in the foot. Choice D (36) is too high and likely includes bones from other parts of the body. Identifying the correct number of bones in the foot is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment of foot-related conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: nervous system. The retinas belong to the nervous system as they are part of the sensory organs responsible for receiving and processing visual information. The retinas contain photoreceptor cells that convert light into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve for interpretation. The skeletal system (A) is responsible for providing support and protection for the body, the lymphatic system (C) is responsible for immune function and fluid balance, and the circulatory system (D) is responsible for transporting blood and nutrients throughout the body. Therefore, the retinas do not belong to these systems.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the gallbladder is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. When a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can cause pain in this area due to the distension and inflammation of the gallbladder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because gallstone pain is typically felt in the upper right quadrant where the gallbladder is located, not in the lower right quadrant, umbilical region, or along the pelvic girdle.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: iris and lens. The anterior chamber of the eye is the space between the cornea (in front) and the iris and lens (behind). The cornea covers the front of the eye, and the iris is the colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil. The lens is located behind the iris and helps to focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. Therefore, the correct placement of the anterior chamber is between the iris and lens. The other choices are incorrect because the lens and retina are not adjacent to each other in the eye, the cornea and iris are both in front of the anterior chamber, and the retina and optic nerve are located at the back of the eye, behind the lens.