HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Questions: 25 Questions With Answers
Anatomy and physiology can be challenging parts of the HESI A2 entrance exam because they require more than memorizing the names of organs. Students must understand how body structures work, how organ systems interact, and what happens when normal processes change. The most effective way to prepare is to combine content review with regular practice. The following original questions cover foundational concepts from several body systems. They are study questions created for Naxles, not official HESI exam questions.
Practice questions
1. Which organ pumps blood throughout the body?
- A. Liver
- B. Heart
- C. Lung
- D. Kidney
Answer: B. Heart. The heart contracts to move blood through the pulmonary and systemic circulations.
2. Where does most nutrient absorption occur?
- A. Stomach
- B. Large intestine
- C. Small intestine
- D. Esophagus
Answer: C. Small intestine. Its lining contains villi and microvilli that increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption.
3. Which part of the brain helps coordinate balance and voluntary movement?
- A. Cerebellum
- B. Hypothalamus
- C. Medulla oblongata
- D. Frontal sinus
Answer: A. Cerebellum. The cerebellum helps coordinate movement, posture, and balance.
4. What is the primary function of red blood cells?
- A. Produce antibodies
- B. Carry oxygen
- C. Form digestive enzymes
- D. Filter urine
Answer: B. Carry oxygen. Hemoglobin in red blood cells binds oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues.
5. Which organ filters blood to help remove waste and regulate fluid balance?
- A. Pancreas
- B. Spleen
- C. Kidney
- D. Gallbladder
Answer: C. Kidney. The kidneys filter blood, regulate electrolytes and fluid balance, and produce urine.
6. Which structure connects muscle to bone?
- A. Ligament
- B. Tendon
- C. Cartilage
- D. Meniscus
Answer: B. Tendon. Tendons transmit the force produced by muscles to bones.
7. Which hormone lowers blood glucose levels?
- A. Insulin
- B. Glucagon
- C. Cortisol
- D. Adrenaline
Answer: A. Insulin. Insulin promotes glucose uptake and storage, helping reduce blood glucose.
8. What is the main function of the alveoli in the lungs?
- A. Produce mucus
- B. Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
- C. Warm the blood
- D. Move food toward the stomach
Answer: B. Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Alveoli are tiny air sacs surrounded by capillaries where gas exchange occurs.
9. Which blood vessels generally carry blood away from the heart?
- A. Veins
- B. Arteries
- C. Capillaries
- D. Lymphatic vessels
Answer: B. Arteries. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, although the oxygen content depends on the circulation.
10. Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?
- A. Epiglottis
- B. Ureter
- C. Diaphragm
- D. Uvula alone
Answer: A. Epiglottis. The epiglottis helps direct swallowed material away from the airway.
11. What is the functional unit of the kidney?
- A. Neuron
- B. Nephron
- C. Alveolus
- D. Osteon
Answer: B. Nephron. Nephrons filter blood and adjust the composition of urine.
12. Which part of a neuron receives many incoming signals?
- A. Dendrites
- B. Myelin sheath
- C. Axon terminal only
- D. Synaptic cleft
Answer: A. Dendrites. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.
13. Which organ produces bile?
- A. Pancreas
- B. Liver
- C. Stomach
- D. Appendix
Answer: B. Liver. The liver produces bile, which helps emulsify dietary fats. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile.
14. Which type of joint allows movement in many directions, such as at the shoulder?
- A. Hinge
- B. Pivot
- C. Ball-and-socket
- D. Fixed
Answer: C. Ball-and-socket. This joint type permits movement across multiple planes.
15. Which blood component is most directly involved in clot formation?
- A. Platelets
- B. Red blood cells
- C. Plasma water alone
- D. Neurons
Answer: A. Platelets. Platelets help form an initial plug at an injured blood vessel and participate in the clotting process.
16. Which system produces hormones that regulate processes such as growth and metabolism?
- A. Endocrine system
- B. Integumentary system
- C. Skeletal system
- D. Lymphatic system alone
Answer: A. Endocrine system. Endocrine glands release hormones that influence many body functions.
17. Where does fertilization most commonly occur?
- A. Uterus
- B. Vagina
- C. Fallopian tube
- D. Cervix
Answer: C. Fallopian tube. Fertilization most commonly takes place in the ampulla of the uterine tube.
18. Which cells are primarily responsible for producing antibodies?
- A. B lymphocytes and their plasma-cell descendants
- B. Red blood cells
- C. Platelets
- D. Osteocytes
Answer: A. B lymphocytes and their plasma-cell descendants. Activated B cells can differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies.
19. Which structure carries urine from a kidney to the bladder?
- A. Urethra
- B. Ureter
- C. Renal artery
- D. Nephron loop
Answer: B. Ureter. Each ureter transports urine from a kidney to the urinary bladder.
20. Which muscle is primarily responsible for quiet breathing by contracting and flattening?
- A. Diaphragm
- B. Biceps
- C. Trapezius
- D. Masseter
Answer: A. Diaphragm. When the diaphragm contracts, the thoracic cavity expands and air moves into the lungs.
21. What is the main role of the large intestine?
- A. Absorb most dietary proteins
- B. Absorb water and help form feces
- C. Produce insulin
- D. Exchange respiratory gases
Answer: B. Absorb water and help form feces. The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes and houses gut bacteria.
22. Which part of the eye controls the amount of light entering through the pupil?
- A. Iris
- B. Retina
- C. Optic nerve
- D. Cornea alone
Answer: A. Iris. Muscles in the iris change pupil size to regulate the amount of incoming light.
23. Which mineral is essential for the formation and maintenance of strong bones?
- A. Calcium
- B. Sodium alone
- C. Chlorine
- D. Iodine alone
Answer: A. Calcium. Calcium is a major component of bone mineral, although healthy bones also depend on phosphorus, vitamin D, and other factors.
24. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?
- A. Slow every nerve impulse
- B. Insulate axons and help impulses travel faster
- C. Produce red blood cells
- D. Digest neurotransmitters in the stomach
Answer: B. Insulate axons and help impulses travel faster. Myelin supports rapid electrical signal conduction along many nerve fibers.
25. Which organ produces most digestive enzymes released into the small intestine?
- A. Pancreas
- B. Spleen
- C. Urinary bladder
- D. Thyroid gland
Answer: A. Pancreas. The pancreas releases enzymes that help digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
How to use these questions
Score yourself before checking the answers. For every incorrect response, write down the body system involved and explain the correct concept in your own words. Then review that topic in your study materials. These 25 questions are a starting point, not a complete representation of every topic that might appear on the HESI A2. Check your nursing program's testing requirements to confirm which subjects you need to prepare for.
