HESI A2 Practice Test Study Guide 2026 | Complete Review |
Graded A+
1. Keratin is not found in
hair
nail
skin
teeth
2. Which of the following is the best definition for homeostasis?
the process of stopping blood loss
process by which regulated variables fluctuate over time
regulation of information flow between organs and cells
molecules, cells, and organs working together to coordinate body
functions
the ability of the body to maintain a relatively stable internal
environment
3. Describe the primary functions of cortisol in the human body.
Cortisol regulates muscle contractions and controls motor impulses.
Cortisol primarily aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Cortisol helps reduce inflammation, raises blood sugar levels, and
inhibits the release of histamine.
Cortisol is responsible for the production of red blood cells and
oxygen transport.
,4. Which structure detoxifies many poisons and drugs in the blood, and makes
blood proteins?
large intestine
liver
gallbladder
stomach
5. What does the term 'ventral' refer to in anatomical terms?
The back or dorsal side of the body
The upper side of the body
The front or belly side of the body
The lower side of the body
6. Describe the significance of the lumbar vertebrae in the human skeletal
system.
The lumbar vertebrae protect the heart and lungs.
The lumbar vertebrae are responsible for arm movement.
The lumbar vertebrae connect the skull to the spine.
The lumbar vertebrae support the lower back and bear the weight
of the upper body.
7. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the human body?
To filter waste from the blood and produce urine.
To digest food.
To produce hormones for growth.
, To regulate body temperature.
8. Describe the role of the alimentary canal in the digestive system.
The alimentary canal stores bile for fat digestion.
The alimentary canal produces hormones that regulate metabolism.
The alimentary canal filters toxins from the blood.
The alimentary canal is responsible for the ingestion, digestion, and
absorption of food.
9. If a person suffers from severe burns affecting the skin, what physiological
functions might be compromised?
Protection and temperature regulation
Muscle movement and bone strength
Digestion and nutrient absorption
Hormonal balance and metabolism
10. Describe how mastication contributes to the overall digestive process.
Mastication breaks food into smaller pieces, increasing the surface
area for enzymes to act during digestion.
Mastication prevents food from entering the respiratory tract.
Mastication is the final step before food enters the bloodstream.
Mastication allows for the absorption of nutrients directly in the
mouth.
11. Describe the primary roles of the digestive tract in human physiology.
The digestive tract is responsible for gas exchange and nutrient
absorption.
, The digestive tract circulates hormones and regulates body
temperature.
The digestive tract primarily functions to filter blood and produce
hormones.
The digestive tract breaks down food using enzymes, moves food
through peristalsis, and removes waste from the body.
12. Which of the following is not a function of the digestive system?
Defecation
Retraction
Ingestion
Secretion
Propulsion
13. Striated muscle is attached to which of the following?
thoracic cavity
skeletal system
gastrointestinal tract
blood vessels
14. The typical number of thoracic vertebrae in the human skeleton is
___________________.
Seven
Twelve
Five
Graded A+
1. Keratin is not found in
hair
nail
skin
teeth
2. Which of the following is the best definition for homeostasis?
the process of stopping blood loss
process by which regulated variables fluctuate over time
regulation of information flow between organs and cells
molecules, cells, and organs working together to coordinate body
functions
the ability of the body to maintain a relatively stable internal
environment
3. Describe the primary functions of cortisol in the human body.
Cortisol regulates muscle contractions and controls motor impulses.
Cortisol primarily aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Cortisol helps reduce inflammation, raises blood sugar levels, and
inhibits the release of histamine.
Cortisol is responsible for the production of red blood cells and
oxygen transport.
,4. Which structure detoxifies many poisons and drugs in the blood, and makes
blood proteins?
large intestine
liver
gallbladder
stomach
5. What does the term 'ventral' refer to in anatomical terms?
The back or dorsal side of the body
The upper side of the body
The front or belly side of the body
The lower side of the body
6. Describe the significance of the lumbar vertebrae in the human skeletal
system.
The lumbar vertebrae protect the heart and lungs.
The lumbar vertebrae are responsible for arm movement.
The lumbar vertebrae connect the skull to the spine.
The lumbar vertebrae support the lower back and bear the weight
of the upper body.
7. What is the primary function of the kidneys in the human body?
To filter waste from the blood and produce urine.
To digest food.
To produce hormones for growth.
, To regulate body temperature.
8. Describe the role of the alimentary canal in the digestive system.
The alimentary canal stores bile for fat digestion.
The alimentary canal produces hormones that regulate metabolism.
The alimentary canal filters toxins from the blood.
The alimentary canal is responsible for the ingestion, digestion, and
absorption of food.
9. If a person suffers from severe burns affecting the skin, what physiological
functions might be compromised?
Protection and temperature regulation
Muscle movement and bone strength
Digestion and nutrient absorption
Hormonal balance and metabolism
10. Describe how mastication contributes to the overall digestive process.
Mastication breaks food into smaller pieces, increasing the surface
area for enzymes to act during digestion.
Mastication prevents food from entering the respiratory tract.
Mastication is the final step before food enters the bloodstream.
Mastication allows for the absorption of nutrients directly in the
mouth.
11. Describe the primary roles of the digestive tract in human physiology.
The digestive tract is responsible for gas exchange and nutrient
absorption.
, The digestive tract circulates hormones and regulates body
temperature.
The digestive tract primarily functions to filter blood and produce
hormones.
The digestive tract breaks down food using enzymes, moves food
through peristalsis, and removes waste from the body.
12. Which of the following is not a function of the digestive system?
Defecation
Retraction
Ingestion
Secretion
Propulsion
13. Striated muscle is attached to which of the following?
thoracic cavity
skeletal system
gastrointestinal tract
blood vessels
14. The typical number of thoracic vertebrae in the human skeleton is
___________________.
Seven
Twelve
Five
