HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Quizlet 2024

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: veins. Veins have the lowest blood pressure among the structures listed. This is because veins carry blood back to the heart from the body, and by the time blood reaches the veins, it has already passed through the arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, losing pressure along the way. Arteries (choice A) have high pressure to deliver blood away from the heart, arterioles (choice B) regulate blood flow, and venules (choice C) connect capillaries to veins. Veins have thin walls and are more compliant, allowing them to carry blood at a lower pressure back to the heart.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Inflammation. Inflammation is a secondary defense mechanism that occurs when tissues are injured, triggering a response to remove harmful stimuli and promote healing. It involves increased blood flow, white blood cell migration, and release of cytokines. Tears (A) and mucus (D) are primary defenses that help prevent pathogens from entering the body. Urine (B) is not a defense mechanism but rather a waste product excreted by the kidneys. In summary, inflammation plays a crucial role in fighting pathogens by mobilizing the immune system, making it the correct secondary defense mechanism choice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Serotonin is the correct answer as it regulates sleep, mood, and appetite. Serotonin is known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating these functions. It helps to maintain a balanced mood, promote feelings of well-being, and regulate sleep patterns and appetite. Oxytocin is mainly involved in social bonding and childbirth. Cortisol is a stress hormone that regulates metabolism and immune response. Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Therefore, A is the correct answer as it directly controls sleep, mood, and appetite.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Answer C is correct because anatomically, the hip is closer to the body's midline than the knee. Proximal refers to a position closer to the point of attachment or origin, which in this case is the body. The hip joint connects the thigh bone to the pelvis, and it is closer to the body's midline compared to the knee joint, which is further down the leg. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: The knee is actually proximal to the ankle. Distal means further away from the point of attachment or origin, so the ankle is distal to the knee. B: The heart is superior to the diaphragm. The heart is located above the diaphragm in the thoracic cavity. D: The wrist is distal to the elbow. The wrist is further away from the point of attachment (the body) compared to the elbow.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Esophagus. The esophagus is the organ through which muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis. Peristalsis is the wave-like muscle contractions that help move food down the digestive tract. The mouth is responsible for chewing and swallowing food, not pushing it into the stomach. The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occur, but it does not play a role in pushing food into the stomach. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the airway during swallowing, but it is not involved in pushing food into the stomach.