HOSA COMPETITIVE EVENT EXAMS 2026/2027 –
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | VERIFIED
Q&A WITH DETAILED RATIONALES | HEALTH
SCIENCE COMPETITION PREP
• This practice guide contains 200 verified multiple-choice questions designed to
help you prepare for HOSA Competitive Events across all major health science
topics.
• Study by attempting each question first before checking the highlighted correct
answer and EXPERT RATIONALE below it — this active recall method boosts
retention and exam performance.
1. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?
A. To filter waste from the blood
B. To produce hormones for the body
C. To pump blood and transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
D. To regulate body temperature
E. To protect the body from infection
Correct Answer: C. To pump blood and transport oxygen and nutrients
throughout the body
EXPERT RATIONALE: The cardiovascular system, consisting of the heart, blood
vessels, and blood, functions primarily to circulate blood, delivering oxygen and
nutrients to tissues and removing carbon dioxide and waste products.
2. Which blood type is considered the universal donor?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type AB
,D. Type A negative
E. Type O negative
Correct Answer: E. Type O negative
EXPERT RATIONALE: Type O negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens on red
blood cells, meaning it can be safely transfused to patients of any blood type
without triggering an immune reaction.
3. What is the normal resting heart rate for an adult?
A. 40–50 beats per minute
B. 50–60 beats per minute
C. 60–100 beats per minute
D. 100–120 beats per minute
E. 120–140 beats per minute
Correct Answer: C. 60–100 beats per minute
EXPERT RATIONALE: A normal adult resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100
beats per minute. Values below 60 may indicate bradycardia and above 100 may
indicate tachycardia.
4. Which organ produces insulin?
A. Liver
B. Kidney
C. Pancreas
D. Spleen
E. Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: C. Pancreas
, EXPERT RATIONALE: Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the islets of
Langerhans in the pancreas. It regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular
uptake of glucose.
5. What does the abbreviation "CPR" stand for?
A. Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation
B. Cardio Pulmonary Revival
C. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
D. Central Pulmonary Rescue
E. Cardiac Pressure Response
Correct Answer: C. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
EXPERT RATIONALE: CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, an
emergency procedure combining chest compressions and rescue breaths to
maintain circulation and oxygenation in a person whose heart has stopped.
6. The study of the heart is known as:
A. Nephrology
B. Neurology
C. Cardiology
D. Pulmonology
E. Hematology
Correct Answer: C. Cardiology
EXPERT RATIONALE: Cardiology is the branch of medicine that deals with
disorders of the heart. A cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating heart
diseases and conditions.
, 7. Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
A. Cerebrum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Cerebellum
D. Hypothalamus
E. Thalamus
Correct Answer: C. Cerebellum
EXPERT RATIONALE: The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, is
responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and fine motor
control.
8. What is the largest organ in the human body?
A. Liver
B. Lungs
C. Skin
D. Brain
E. Intestines
Correct Answer: C. Skin
EXPERT RATIONALE: The skin (integumentary system) is the largest organ of
the human body, covering the entire external surface. It provides protection,
regulates temperature, and houses sensory receptors.
9. Which vitamin is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | VERIFIED
Q&A WITH DETAILED RATIONALES | HEALTH
SCIENCE COMPETITION PREP
• This practice guide contains 200 verified multiple-choice questions designed to
help you prepare for HOSA Competitive Events across all major health science
topics.
• Study by attempting each question first before checking the highlighted correct
answer and EXPERT RATIONALE below it — this active recall method boosts
retention and exam performance.
1. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?
A. To filter waste from the blood
B. To produce hormones for the body
C. To pump blood and transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
D. To regulate body temperature
E. To protect the body from infection
Correct Answer: C. To pump blood and transport oxygen and nutrients
throughout the body
EXPERT RATIONALE: The cardiovascular system, consisting of the heart, blood
vessels, and blood, functions primarily to circulate blood, delivering oxygen and
nutrients to tissues and removing carbon dioxide and waste products.
2. Which blood type is considered the universal donor?
A. Type A
B. Type B
C. Type AB
,D. Type A negative
E. Type O negative
Correct Answer: E. Type O negative
EXPERT RATIONALE: Type O negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens on red
blood cells, meaning it can be safely transfused to patients of any blood type
without triggering an immune reaction.
3. What is the normal resting heart rate for an adult?
A. 40–50 beats per minute
B. 50–60 beats per minute
C. 60–100 beats per minute
D. 100–120 beats per minute
E. 120–140 beats per minute
Correct Answer: C. 60–100 beats per minute
EXPERT RATIONALE: A normal adult resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100
beats per minute. Values below 60 may indicate bradycardia and above 100 may
indicate tachycardia.
4. Which organ produces insulin?
A. Liver
B. Kidney
C. Pancreas
D. Spleen
E. Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: C. Pancreas
, EXPERT RATIONALE: Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the islets of
Langerhans in the pancreas. It regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular
uptake of glucose.
5. What does the abbreviation "CPR" stand for?
A. Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation
B. Cardio Pulmonary Revival
C. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
D. Central Pulmonary Rescue
E. Cardiac Pressure Response
Correct Answer: C. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
EXPERT RATIONALE: CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, an
emergency procedure combining chest compressions and rescue breaths to
maintain circulation and oxygenation in a person whose heart has stopped.
6. The study of the heart is known as:
A. Nephrology
B. Neurology
C. Cardiology
D. Pulmonology
E. Hematology
Correct Answer: C. Cardiology
EXPERT RATIONALE: Cardiology is the branch of medicine that deals with
disorders of the heart. A cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating heart
diseases and conditions.
, 7. Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
A. Cerebrum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Cerebellum
D. Hypothalamus
E. Thalamus
Correct Answer: C. Cerebellum
EXPERT RATIONALE: The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, is
responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and fine motor
control.
8. What is the largest organ in the human body?
A. Liver
B. Lungs
C. Skin
D. Brain
E. Intestines
Correct Answer: C. Skin
EXPERT RATIONALE: The skin (integumentary system) is the largest organ of
the human body, covering the entire external surface. It provides protection,
regulates temperature, and houses sensory receptors.
9. Which vitamin is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
