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: 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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (7.4). Arterial blood pH must be maintained within a narrow range for proper physiological function. The normal pH of arterial blood is around 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. Deviations from this range can lead to serious health issues. Choice A (6.8) is too acidic for arterial blood, which would indicate acidosis. Choice C (7.9) and D (8.2) are too alkaline, which would indicate alkalosis. Therefore, the correct answer is B (7.4) as it falls within the normal physiological pH range for arterial blood.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a cut through the transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts. This is a true cross-section, providing a view of structures perpendicular to the long axis of the body. Choices A, B, and C do not result in a true cross-section as they do not divide the body into distinct superior and inferior parts. A sagittal or frontal section (choice A) divides the body into left and right or front and back parts, a cut along the coronal plane (choice B) divides the body into anterior and posterior parts, and a cut along the median plane (choice C) divides the body into equal left and right halves.

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.