HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Progesterone. Progesterone is the hormone that initiates the preparation of the endometrium for pregnancy by promoting the thickening of the uterine lining and creating a suitable environment for implantation. It is produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation and plays a crucial role in maintaining the uterine lining during early pregnancy. A: FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) is responsible for stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles but does not directly prepare the endometrium for pregnancy. B: Estrogen helps in the growth and development of the endometrium but is not the hormone that specifically initiates its preparation for pregnancy. C: LH (Luteinizing hormone) triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum, which then produces progesterone. While LH is important in the menstrual cycle, it does not directly initiate endometrial preparation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: anterior. The ribs are located in front of the lungs, making them anterior to the lungs. This is because when referring to anatomical positions, anterior means towards the front of the body. Ribs protect and support the lungs, which are situated deeper in the body. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the ribs are not positioned medially, superiorly, or deeply in relation to the lungs. Medial refers to being towards the midline of the body, superior means above, and deep indicates being further away from the surface. Therefore, the most accurate description of the relationship between the ribs and lungs is that the ribs are anterior to the lungs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transverse. A transverse plane, also known as a horizontal plane, divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions. This plane would be used to separate the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity because it runs horizontally across the body at the level of the diaphragm, which separates these two cavities. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. C: Frontal plane divides the body into front (anterior) and back (posterior) portions. D: Coronal plane is not a recognized anatomical term and is often used interchangeably with frontal plane.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Smooth muscles are involved in peristalsis as they are found in the walls of the digestive tract and exhibit rhythmic contractions to propel food along the digestive system. Smooth muscles are involuntary, allowing for automatic control of peristalsis without conscious effort. Cardiac muscles (B) are found in the heart and are responsible for pumping blood, not peristalsis. Skeletal muscles (C) are voluntary and are not directly involved in peristalsis. Epaxial muscles (D) are a specific group of skeletal muscles located along the vertebral column and are not involved in peristalsis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli are all part of the lower respiratory tract, involved in gas exchange within the lungs. Therefore, none of the above options are part of the upper respiratory tract. The correct answer is D.