Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Occipital lobe. The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information. It contains the primary visual cortex, which receives and interprets visual stimuli from the eyes. This region processes shapes, colors, and motion. The temporal lobe (A) is involved in memory and auditory processing. The parietal lobe (C) is responsible for spatial awareness and sensory information integration. The frontal lobe (D) is associated with executive functions and motor skills. Thus, the occipital lobe is the correct choice for processing visual information.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: White blood cells' main function is to fight infections. They are part of the immune system, detecting and destroying pathogens like bacteria and viruses. They do not carry oxygen (A), nutrients (C), or remove waste products (D). White blood cells play a crucial role in protecting the body from harmful invaders, making choice B the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances. It metabolizes and neutralizes toxins, drugs, and other harmful compounds. It does this through various enzymatic processes. Producing bile (choice B) is an important function of the liver, but it is not the primary function. Producing insulin (choice C) is a function of the pancreas, not the liver. Storing glycogen (choice D) is a function of the liver, but it is not the primary function.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medulla oblongata. This part of the brain is located in the brainstem and is responsible for regulating essential functions like breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata contains centers that control autonomic functions, ensuring that these processes occur involuntarily and without conscious effort. The other choices, A (Cerebrum), C (Cerebellum), and D (Hypothalamus), are not specifically involved in regulating breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions, the cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, and the hypothalamus controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst regulation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Semicircular canals. These structures in the inner ear are responsible for detecting rotational movement and maintaining balance. The semicircular canals contain fluid that moves in response to head movements, stimulating hair cells that send signals to the brain about the body's position in space. A: The cochlea is responsible for hearing, not balance. C: Ossicles are tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations to the cochlea. D: The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear and is not directly related to balance. In summary, the semicircular canals are crucial for maintaining balance by detecting rotational movements, while the other structures mentioned are primarily involved in hearing or pressure regulation.