WGU D313 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II EXAM
PREP DOCUMENT | 2026/2027 EDITION | 250 VERIFIED
QUESTIONS
WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II Exam 2026-2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+.
100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive exam preparation guide for WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II contains 250
detailed, verified questions with rationales. Each question is designed to mirror the actual exam format,
covering all major body systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and
reproductive. The answers are already graded A+ and include thorough explanations to reinforce
learning. Updated for the 2026/2027 academic year, this resource ensures you are fully prepared for the
final exam.
Key Features:
250 verified multiple-choice questions with correct answers and rationales
Comprehensive coverage of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems
Detailed rationales explaining why each answer is correct and distractors are incorrect
Content organized by body system for targeted study
Updated to reflect the latest WGU D313 curriculum and exam blueprint
Includes high-yield topics frequently tested on the exam
Updates for 2026:
- Revised all questions to align with 2026/2027 WGU D313 course objectives
- Added new rationales for each answer to enhance understanding
- Incorporated recent clinical correlations and physiological concepts
- Expanded coverage of homeostasis and feedback mechanisms
- Updated formatting for improved readability and study efficiency
Abstract:
This document serves as a definitive study resource for WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II, featuring 250
meticulously verified questions with detailed rationales. The content is systematically organized by body system,
including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive physiology, as well as fluid and
electrolyte balance. Each question is accompanied by a correct answer and a rationale that explains the
underlying physiological principles, common misconceptions, and clinical relevance. The rationales also address
why alternative options are incorrect, promoting deeper comprehension and retention. Designed for the 2026/2027
academic year, this guide reflects the latest exam blueprint and emphasizes high-yield topics such as cardiac
output, gas exchange, renal function, and hormonal regulation. By engaging with these questions, students can
assess their knowledge, identify weak areas, and build confidence for the final exam. The document is an essential
tool for achieving a top score, as all answers have been verified and graded A+ by subject matter experts.
Keywords:
WGU D313, Anatomy and Physiology II, exam prep, 250 questions, verified answers, rationales, cardiovascular
system, respiratory system
Answer Format:
Each question is presented in a multiple-choice format with four options. The correct answer is indicated, followed
by a detailed rationale explaining the physiological basis for the answer. Additionally, each distractor is addressed
with an explanation of why it is incorrect, helping to clarify common misunderstandings.
Page 1
,Compliance Checklist:
All questions align with WGU D313 course competencies
Answers verified by subject matter experts
Rationales provided for every correct and incorrect option
Content updated for 2026/2027 academic year
Covers all major body systems tested on the exam
Format consistent with actual exam question style
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Cardiovascular System 1-50 Cardiac anatomy, cardiac cycle, blood 20%
pressure regulation, ECG, heart sounds
Respiratory System 51-90 Pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, 16%
oxygen transport, acid-base balance, lung
volumes
Digestive System 91-130 GI tract anatomy, digestion and absorption, 16%
hepatic portal system, enzymes, hormones
Urinary System 131-170 Nephron structure, glomerular filtration, 16%
tubular reabsorption and secretion, urine
concentration, micturition
Reproductive System 171-210 Gametogenesis, hormonal regulation, 16%
menstrual cycle, fertilization, pregnancy
Fluid, Electrolyte, and 211-250 Body fluid compartments, electrolyte 16%
Acid-Base Balance regulation, buffer systems, respiratory and
renal compensation
Page 2
,Q1. A researcher is investigating the effect of a novel drug on cardiac contractility. In an
isolated cardiac muscle preparation, the drug increases the force of contraction without
changing heart rate. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for this
effect?
A. Increased calcium influx through L-type calcium channels during the plateau phase
B. Increased sodium influx through voltage-gated sodium channels during depolarization
C. Enhanced reuptake of calcium into the sarcoplasmic reticulum via SERCA
D. Blockade of potassium efflux during repolarization
Correct Answer: A. Increased calcium influx through L-type calcium channels during the
plateau phase
Rationale: The force of cardiac contraction (inotropy) is directly related to the amount of
calcium available to bind troponin C. Increased calcium influx through L-type calcium channels
during the plateau phase of the action potential increases intracellular calcium, leading to
greater cross-bridge formation and stronger contraction. Option B (sodium influx) affects
depolarization but not contractility directly. Option C (enhanced calcium reuptake) would
decrease cytosolic calcium and reduce contractility. Option D (potassium blockade) would
prolong the action potential but not necessarily increase contractility.
Why Wrong:
B - Sodium influx is primarily responsible for the rapid depolarization phase and does not
directly influence the force of contraction.
C - Enhanced calcium reuptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum would lower cytosolic
calcium, reducing contractility, not increasing it.
D - Blockade of potassium efflux prolongs the action potential but does not directly increase
calcium influx or contractility.
Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Ed., Ch. 9
Q2. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an arterial blood gas
showing pH 7.32, PaCO2 58 mm Hg, and HCO3- 30 mEq/L. Which of the following best
describes the acid-base status?
A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
B. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
C. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
Correct Answer: B. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
Rationale: The low pH (7.32) indicates acidosis. The elevated PaCO2 (58 mm Hg) indicates a
respiratory cause. The elevated HCO3- (30 mEq/L) indicates a metabolic compensation. Since the
pH is still below normal (7.35-7.45), the compensation is partial. Full compensation would return
pH to the normal range. Option A is incorrect because metabolic compensation is present
(HCO3- elevated). Option C is incorrect because pH is not normal. Option D is incorrect because
the primary disturbance is respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
Why Wrong:
A - Compensation is present as evidenced by elevated HCO3-, so it is not uncompensated.
C - The pH is still acidic (7.32), indicating incomplete compensation; full compensation
Page 3
, would normalize pH.
D - The primary disturbance is respiratory acidosis (high PaCO2), not metabolic alkalosis.
Reference: West's Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials, 11th Ed., Ch. 7
Page 4
PREP DOCUMENT | 2026/2027 EDITION | 250 VERIFIED
QUESTIONS
WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II Exam 2026-2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+.
100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive exam preparation guide for WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II contains 250
detailed, verified questions with rationales. Each question is designed to mirror the actual exam format,
covering all major body systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and
reproductive. The answers are already graded A+ and include thorough explanations to reinforce
learning. Updated for the 2026/2027 academic year, this resource ensures you are fully prepared for the
final exam.
Key Features:
250 verified multiple-choice questions with correct answers and rationales
Comprehensive coverage of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems
Detailed rationales explaining why each answer is correct and distractors are incorrect
Content organized by body system for targeted study
Updated to reflect the latest WGU D313 curriculum and exam blueprint
Includes high-yield topics frequently tested on the exam
Updates for 2026:
- Revised all questions to align with 2026/2027 WGU D313 course objectives
- Added new rationales for each answer to enhance understanding
- Incorporated recent clinical correlations and physiological concepts
- Expanded coverage of homeostasis and feedback mechanisms
- Updated formatting for improved readability and study efficiency
Abstract:
This document serves as a definitive study resource for WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II, featuring 250
meticulously verified questions with detailed rationales. The content is systematically organized by body system,
including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive physiology, as well as fluid and
electrolyte balance. Each question is accompanied by a correct answer and a rationale that explains the
underlying physiological principles, common misconceptions, and clinical relevance. The rationales also address
why alternative options are incorrect, promoting deeper comprehension and retention. Designed for the 2026/2027
academic year, this guide reflects the latest exam blueprint and emphasizes high-yield topics such as cardiac
output, gas exchange, renal function, and hormonal regulation. By engaging with these questions, students can
assess their knowledge, identify weak areas, and build confidence for the final exam. The document is an essential
tool for achieving a top score, as all answers have been verified and graded A+ by subject matter experts.
Keywords:
WGU D313, Anatomy and Physiology II, exam prep, 250 questions, verified answers, rationales, cardiovascular
system, respiratory system
Answer Format:
Each question is presented in a multiple-choice format with four options. The correct answer is indicated, followed
by a detailed rationale explaining the physiological basis for the answer. Additionally, each distractor is addressed
with an explanation of why it is incorrect, helping to clarify common misunderstandings.
Page 1
,Compliance Checklist:
All questions align with WGU D313 course competencies
Answers verified by subject matter experts
Rationales provided for every correct and incorrect option
Content updated for 2026/2027 academic year
Covers all major body systems tested on the exam
Format consistent with actual exam question style
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Cardiovascular System 1-50 Cardiac anatomy, cardiac cycle, blood 20%
pressure regulation, ECG, heart sounds
Respiratory System 51-90 Pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, 16%
oxygen transport, acid-base balance, lung
volumes
Digestive System 91-130 GI tract anatomy, digestion and absorption, 16%
hepatic portal system, enzymes, hormones
Urinary System 131-170 Nephron structure, glomerular filtration, 16%
tubular reabsorption and secretion, urine
concentration, micturition
Reproductive System 171-210 Gametogenesis, hormonal regulation, 16%
menstrual cycle, fertilization, pregnancy
Fluid, Electrolyte, and 211-250 Body fluid compartments, electrolyte 16%
Acid-Base Balance regulation, buffer systems, respiratory and
renal compensation
Page 2
,Q1. A researcher is investigating the effect of a novel drug on cardiac contractility. In an
isolated cardiac muscle preparation, the drug increases the force of contraction without
changing heart rate. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for this
effect?
A. Increased calcium influx through L-type calcium channels during the plateau phase
B. Increased sodium influx through voltage-gated sodium channels during depolarization
C. Enhanced reuptake of calcium into the sarcoplasmic reticulum via SERCA
D. Blockade of potassium efflux during repolarization
Correct Answer: A. Increased calcium influx through L-type calcium channels during the
plateau phase
Rationale: The force of cardiac contraction (inotropy) is directly related to the amount of
calcium available to bind troponin C. Increased calcium influx through L-type calcium channels
during the plateau phase of the action potential increases intracellular calcium, leading to
greater cross-bridge formation and stronger contraction. Option B (sodium influx) affects
depolarization but not contractility directly. Option C (enhanced calcium reuptake) would
decrease cytosolic calcium and reduce contractility. Option D (potassium blockade) would
prolong the action potential but not necessarily increase contractility.
Why Wrong:
B - Sodium influx is primarily responsible for the rapid depolarization phase and does not
directly influence the force of contraction.
C - Enhanced calcium reuptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum would lower cytosolic
calcium, reducing contractility, not increasing it.
D - Blockade of potassium efflux prolongs the action potential but does not directly increase
calcium influx or contractility.
Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Ed., Ch. 9
Q2. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an arterial blood gas
showing pH 7.32, PaCO2 58 mm Hg, and HCO3- 30 mEq/L. Which of the following best
describes the acid-base status?
A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
B. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
C. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
Correct Answer: B. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
Rationale: The low pH (7.32) indicates acidosis. The elevated PaCO2 (58 mm Hg) indicates a
respiratory cause. The elevated HCO3- (30 mEq/L) indicates a metabolic compensation. Since the
pH is still below normal (7.35-7.45), the compensation is partial. Full compensation would return
pH to the normal range. Option A is incorrect because metabolic compensation is present
(HCO3- elevated). Option C is incorrect because pH is not normal. Option D is incorrect because
the primary disturbance is respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
Why Wrong:
A - Compensation is present as evidenced by elevated HCO3-, so it is not uncompensated.
C - The pH is still acidic (7.32), indicating incomplete compensation; full compensation
Page 3
, would normalize pH.
D - The primary disturbance is respiratory acidosis (high PaCO2), not metabolic alkalosis.
Reference: West's Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials, 11th Ed., Ch. 7
Page 4
