HESI A2 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 | LATE… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI A2 Anatomy &
Physiology Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 | Latest
Verified Exam Prep
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
200 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 200 verified HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology questions with correct answers and
detailed rationales, including diagrams. It offers a comprehensive review of foundational biological
science concepts. This resource is ideal for students preparing for certification exams and for in-depth
study and review.
CONTENTS
Page 1
, • Introduction to Tissues • Integumentary System
• Skeletal System: Overview & Axial • Skeletal System: Appendicular
• Muscular System: Function & Control • Nervous System: Structure & Function
• Endocrine System • Cardiovascular System: Blood & Heart
• Cardiovascular System: Vasculature • Respiratory System
• Digestive System • Urinary System
• Reproductive System: Overview & Male • Reproductive System: Female & Pregnancy
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 200
What is histology?
CORRECT ANSWER
The study of tissues
RATIONALE
Histology is the branch of microscopic anatomy that examines the structure of biological tissues, focusing on how
cells are organized into these functional units. This discipline is fundamental to understanding organ function and
disease pathology.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 200
What is a tissue?
CORRECT ANSWER
A group of cells that act together to perform a specific function.
RATIONALE
A tissue represents a collection of specialized cells organized to execute a singular, coordinated function within an
organism, forming the basic organizational unit above the cellular level. This principle highlights the concept of
cellular specialization and cooperative function in multicellular life.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 200
What are the fundamental tissues?
Page 2
, CORRECT ANSWER
Epithelial
Connective
Muscle
Nerve
(Elephants Can Make News)
RATIONALE
The four primary tissue types — epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous — form the organizational basis for all
organs and organ systems, each performing distinct functions crucial for organismal viability. This classification
represents the structural and functional building blocks of the body.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 200
What is the function of epithelial cells?
CORRECT ANSWER
Cover, line, and protect the body and the internal organs.
RATIONALE
Epithelial cells form continuous sheets that cover external surfaces, line internal cavities and organs, and serve as
protective barriers against mechanical damage, pathogens, and dehydration. This arrangement facilitates
secretion, absorption, and filtration in specialized tissues.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 200
What is the function of connective tissue?
CORRECT ANSWER
Framework of the body. Provides support and structure to organs.
RATIONALE
Connective tissue forms the body's structural framework, providing support and binding together organs and
other tissues. This function is achieved through its diverse extracellular matrix, which can be fluid, gel-like, or solid.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 200
What is neuroglia?
CORRECT ANSWER
The neurons and connective tissue cells that compose nerve tissue.
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Neuroglia, or glial cells, are the supportive cells of the nervous system that surround neurons, providing structural
support, nourishment, and insulation. This collective function underscores their role in maintaining the integrity
and operational capacity of nerve tissue.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 200
What ability does muscle tissue have?
CORRECT ANSWER
Ability to contract and shorten.
RATIONALE
Muscle tissue's primary function is contractility, allowing it to generate force by shortening and pulling on bones or
other structures. This fundamental property enables movement and maintains posture.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 200
What is muscle tissue classified as?
CORRECT ANSWER
Voluntary(skeletal muscles) and involuntary(smooth & cardiac)
RATIONALE
Muscle tissue is broadly categorized by its control and function into voluntary (striated skeletal muscle,
consciously controlled) and involuntary (smooth and cardiac muscle, unconsciously controlled). This classification
hinges on the presence or absence of striations and the nervous system's control over contraction.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 200
What is meiosis?
CORRECT ANSWER
The cell division that takes place in the gonads, i.e. the ovaries and testes.
RATIONALE
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes
(sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction, and occurs exclusively in germ cells within the gonads. This process
ensures genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment.
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI A2 Anatomy &
Physiology Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 | Latest
Verified Exam Prep
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
200 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 200 verified HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology questions with correct answers and
detailed rationales, including diagrams. It offers a comprehensive review of foundational biological
science concepts. This resource is ideal for students preparing for certification exams and for in-depth
study and review.
CONTENTS
Page 1
, • Introduction to Tissues • Integumentary System
• Skeletal System: Overview & Axial • Skeletal System: Appendicular
• Muscular System: Function & Control • Nervous System: Structure & Function
• Endocrine System • Cardiovascular System: Blood & Heart
• Cardiovascular System: Vasculature • Respiratory System
• Digestive System • Urinary System
• Reproductive System: Overview & Male • Reproductive System: Female & Pregnancy
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 200
What is histology?
CORRECT ANSWER
The study of tissues
RATIONALE
Histology is the branch of microscopic anatomy that examines the structure of biological tissues, focusing on how
cells are organized into these functional units. This discipline is fundamental to understanding organ function and
disease pathology.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 200
What is a tissue?
CORRECT ANSWER
A group of cells that act together to perform a specific function.
RATIONALE
A tissue represents a collection of specialized cells organized to execute a singular, coordinated function within an
organism, forming the basic organizational unit above the cellular level. This principle highlights the concept of
cellular specialization and cooperative function in multicellular life.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 200
What are the fundamental tissues?
Page 2
, CORRECT ANSWER
Epithelial
Connective
Muscle
Nerve
(Elephants Can Make News)
RATIONALE
The four primary tissue types — epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous — form the organizational basis for all
organs and organ systems, each performing distinct functions crucial for organismal viability. This classification
represents the structural and functional building blocks of the body.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 200
What is the function of epithelial cells?
CORRECT ANSWER
Cover, line, and protect the body and the internal organs.
RATIONALE
Epithelial cells form continuous sheets that cover external surfaces, line internal cavities and organs, and serve as
protective barriers against mechanical damage, pathogens, and dehydration. This arrangement facilitates
secretion, absorption, and filtration in specialized tissues.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 200
What is the function of connective tissue?
CORRECT ANSWER
Framework of the body. Provides support and structure to organs.
RATIONALE
Connective tissue forms the body's structural framework, providing support and binding together organs and
other tissues. This function is achieved through its diverse extracellular matrix, which can be fluid, gel-like, or solid.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 200
What is neuroglia?
CORRECT ANSWER
The neurons and connective tissue cells that compose nerve tissue.
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Neuroglia, or glial cells, are the supportive cells of the nervous system that surround neurons, providing structural
support, nourishment, and insulation. This collective function underscores their role in maintaining the integrity
and operational capacity of nerve tissue.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 200
What ability does muscle tissue have?
CORRECT ANSWER
Ability to contract and shorten.
RATIONALE
Muscle tissue's primary function is contractility, allowing it to generate force by shortening and pulling on bones or
other structures. This fundamental property enables movement and maintains posture.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 200
What is muscle tissue classified as?
CORRECT ANSWER
Voluntary(skeletal muscles) and involuntary(smooth & cardiac)
RATIONALE
Muscle tissue is broadly categorized by its control and function into voluntary (striated skeletal muscle,
consciously controlled) and involuntary (smooth and cardiac muscle, unconsciously controlled). This classification
hinges on the presence or absence of striations and the nervous system's control over contraction.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 200
What is meiosis?
CORRECT ANSWER
The cell division that takes place in the gonads, i.e. the ovaries and testes.
RATIONALE
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes
(sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction, and occurs exclusively in germ cells within the gonads. This process
ensures genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment.
Page 4
