HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology
Exam Prep 2026
Questions And Answers | Comprehensive Review
| Detailed Rationales | Latest 2026 Instant Pdf
Download | Graded A+
HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology section, based on the most
current 2026 guidelines. The questions cover the major topics
you're likely to encounter, from basic terminology to complex
physiological processes
,Section 1: Basic Anatomy & Terminology (Questions 1-15)
1. Which term describes the maintenance of a relatively stable
internal environment despite external changes?
A) Metabolism
B) Homeostasis
C) Adaptation
D) Anabolism
Correct Answer: B) Homeostasis
Rationale: Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal
conditions (temperature, pH, blood glucose). Metabolism refers to all
chemical reactions, while anabolism is the building phase of metabolism.
2. Which body plane divides the body into equal left and right
halves?
A) Coronal (frontal) plane
B) Transverse plane
C) Sagittal plane
D) Midsagittal plane
Correct Answer: D) Midsagittal plane
Rationale: The midsagittal (median) plane divides the body into equal
left and right halves. A sagittal plane divides the body into left and right
but not necessarily equal halves.
3. The term "proximal" means:
A) Closer to the point of attachment or trunk
,B) Farther from the point of attachment
C) Toward the midline
D) Away from the midline
Correct Answer: A) Closer to the point of attachment or trunk
Rationale: Proximal means nearer to the trunk or point of origin. Distal
means farther away. Medial is toward the midline; lateral is away from
midline.
4. Which cavity contains the lungs and heart?
A) Abdominal cavity
B) Pelvic cavity
C) Thoracic cavity
D) Cranial cavity
Correct Answer: C) Thoracic cavity
Rationale: The thoracic cavity contains the lungs (pleural cavities) and
the heart (pericardial cavity), separated by the mediastinum.
5. The dorsal body cavity includes which two subdivisions?
A) Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
B) Cranial and vertebral (spinal) cavities
C) Abdominal and pelvic cavities
D) Pleural and pericardial cavities
Correct Answer: B) Cranial and vertebral (spinal) cavities
Rationale: The dorsal body cavity is located toward the back and
includes the cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral cavity (spinal cord).
, 6. Which of the following best describes the anatomical position?
A) Standing upright, facing away from the observer, palms facing
posteriorly.
B) Standing upright, facing the observer, palms facing anteriorly.
C) Lying down, facing upward, arms at the sides.
D) Standing upright, facing the observer, palms facing posteriorly.
Correct Answer: B) Standing upright, facing the observer, palms
facing anteriorly.
Rationale: The anatomical position is defined as standing erect (straight
up) with feet forward and palms facing anteriorly (towards the front) with
the thumbs facing outwards.
7. The axillary region refers to the:
A) Elbow
B) Armpit
C) Knee
D) Wrist
Correct Answer: B) Armpit
Rationale: The axillary region is the armpit. The brachial region is the
arm, and the antecubital region is the front of the elbow.
8. Which directional term means "toward the back"?
A) Anterior
B) Ventral
Exam Prep 2026
Questions And Answers | Comprehensive Review
| Detailed Rationales | Latest 2026 Instant Pdf
Download | Graded A+
HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology section, based on the most
current 2026 guidelines. The questions cover the major topics
you're likely to encounter, from basic terminology to complex
physiological processes
,Section 1: Basic Anatomy & Terminology (Questions 1-15)
1. Which term describes the maintenance of a relatively stable
internal environment despite external changes?
A) Metabolism
B) Homeostasis
C) Adaptation
D) Anabolism
Correct Answer: B) Homeostasis
Rationale: Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal
conditions (temperature, pH, blood glucose). Metabolism refers to all
chemical reactions, while anabolism is the building phase of metabolism.
2. Which body plane divides the body into equal left and right
halves?
A) Coronal (frontal) plane
B) Transverse plane
C) Sagittal plane
D) Midsagittal plane
Correct Answer: D) Midsagittal plane
Rationale: The midsagittal (median) plane divides the body into equal
left and right halves. A sagittal plane divides the body into left and right
but not necessarily equal halves.
3. The term "proximal" means:
A) Closer to the point of attachment or trunk
,B) Farther from the point of attachment
C) Toward the midline
D) Away from the midline
Correct Answer: A) Closer to the point of attachment or trunk
Rationale: Proximal means nearer to the trunk or point of origin. Distal
means farther away. Medial is toward the midline; lateral is away from
midline.
4. Which cavity contains the lungs and heart?
A) Abdominal cavity
B) Pelvic cavity
C) Thoracic cavity
D) Cranial cavity
Correct Answer: C) Thoracic cavity
Rationale: The thoracic cavity contains the lungs (pleural cavities) and
the heart (pericardial cavity), separated by the mediastinum.
5. The dorsal body cavity includes which two subdivisions?
A) Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
B) Cranial and vertebral (spinal) cavities
C) Abdominal and pelvic cavities
D) Pleural and pericardial cavities
Correct Answer: B) Cranial and vertebral (spinal) cavities
Rationale: The dorsal body cavity is located toward the back and
includes the cranial cavity (brain) and vertebral cavity (spinal cord).
, 6. Which of the following best describes the anatomical position?
A) Standing upright, facing away from the observer, palms facing
posteriorly.
B) Standing upright, facing the observer, palms facing anteriorly.
C) Lying down, facing upward, arms at the sides.
D) Standing upright, facing the observer, palms facing posteriorly.
Correct Answer: B) Standing upright, facing the observer, palms
facing anteriorly.
Rationale: The anatomical position is defined as standing erect (straight
up) with feet forward and palms facing anteriorly (towards the front) with
the thumbs facing outwards.
7. The axillary region refers to the:
A) Elbow
B) Armpit
C) Knee
D) Wrist
Correct Answer: B) Armpit
Rationale: The axillary region is the armpit. The brachial region is the
arm, and the antecubital region is the front of the elbow.
8. Which directional term means "toward the back"?
A) Anterior
B) Ventral
