HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Exam

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because skeletal muscle attaches to bones by tendons, allowing for movement of the body. Tendons are tough connective tissues that anchor muscles to bones. This attachment enables the contraction of skeletal muscles to produce movement at the joints. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Skeletal muscle typically makes up around 40-50% of the body's weight, muscle contraction plays a role in temperature regulation through shivering, and skeletal muscles can contract even at rest due to maintaining posture or supporting the body.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The endocrine system. The endocrine system produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which play a crucial role in the body's stress response. These hormones help regulate heart rate, metabolism, and other physiological responses to stress. The digestive system (B), lymphatic system (C), and respiratory system (D) do not have primary roles in controlling stress. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, the lymphatic system helps with immunity, and the respiratory system is involved in breathing.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: When they block a duct. Gallstones cause issues when they obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder through the bile ducts. This blockage can lead to severe pain, inflammation, infection, and potentially life-threatening complications. Choices B and C focus on the composition of gallstones, which may not always correlate with symptom severity. Choice D is incorrect because gallstones dissolving can actually relieve symptoms rather than cause problems.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: frontal. The coronal plane divides the body into front and back portions. The term "frontal" refers to the front of the body, making it the most appropriate descriptor for this plane. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. B: Median plane is another term for the sagittal plane. D: Axial plane is not a commonly used term in anatomical terminology.