1
Jersey College A&P Final Exam
2025/2026 – Actual Exam Questions with
Verified Correct Answers | Graded A+ |
Anatomy & Physiology
Body Systems (10 Questions)
1. Which structure is the primary site of gas exchange in the respiratory system?
a) Trachea
b) Bronchi
c) Alveoli
d) Pharynx
Rationale: The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen diffuses into the
bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed. The trachea and bronchi are airways, and the
pharynx serves as a passageway for air and food.
2. What is the functional unit of the kidney?
a) Glomerulus
b) Nephron
c) Renal pelvis
d) Ureter
Rationale: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering
blood, reabsorbing nutrients, and forming urine. The glomerulus is part of the nephron,
while the renal pelvis and ureter are involved in urine collection and transport.
3. Which muscle type is responsible for involuntary contractions of the heart?
a) Skeletal muscle
b) Smooth muscle
c) Cardiac muscle
d) Striated muscle
Rationale: Cardiac muscle is unique to the heart, characterized by involuntary
contractions and intercalated discs for coordinated beating. Skeletal muscle is voluntary,
and smooth muscle is found in organs like the intestines.
4. The pancreas secretes which hormone to lower blood glucose levels?
a) Glucagon
b) Insulin
c) Cortisol
d) Epinephrine
Rationale: Insulin, secreted by pancreatic beta cells, lowers blood glucose by promoting
glucose uptake into cells. Glucagon raises blood glucose, while cortisol and epinephrine
have broader metabolic effects.
, 2
5. Which part of the brain regulates heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure?
a) Cerebrum
b) Cerebellum
c) Medulla oblongata
d) Hypothalamus
Rationale: The medulla oblongata in the brainstem controls vital autonomic functions
like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. The cerebrum handles higher functions, the
cerebellum coordinates movement, and the hypothalamus regulates homeostasis.
6. What is the primary function of the large intestine?
a) Nutrient absorption
b) Water absorption and feces formation
c) Protein digestion
d) Bile production
Rationale: The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, forming feces. Nutrient
absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, protein digestion begins in the stomach,
and bile is produced by the liver.
7. Which structure in the skeletal system produces red blood cells?
a) Compact bone
b) ** Bone marrow� Compact bone provides structural support, while bone marrow,
found in the medullary cavity of long bones, produces red blood cells, white blood cells,
and platelets.
8. The lymphatic system primarily functions to:
a) Transport oxygen
b) Return interstitial fluid to the bloodstream
c) Produce digestive enzymes
d) Regulate body temperature
Rationale: The lymphatic system collects excess interstitial fluid (lymph) and returns it
to the bloodstream, while also supporting immunity. Oxygen transport is handled by the
circulatory system, and other functions are unrelated.
9. Which structure allows for the exchange of nutrients and waste between maternal
and fetal blood?
a) Umbilical cord
b) Placenta
c) Amniotic sac
d) Yolk sac
Rationale: The placenta facilitates nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange between
maternal and fetal circulations. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta,
while the amniotic sac and yolk sac have different roles.
10. What is the role of the epiglottis in the respiratory system?
a) Gas exchange
b) Preventing food from entering the airway
c) Producing mucus
d) Filtering air
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that closes the trachea during swallowing
to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. Other structures handle gas exchange,
mucus production, and air filtration.
Jersey College A&P Final Exam
2025/2026 – Actual Exam Questions with
Verified Correct Answers | Graded A+ |
Anatomy & Physiology
Body Systems (10 Questions)
1. Which structure is the primary site of gas exchange in the respiratory system?
a) Trachea
b) Bronchi
c) Alveoli
d) Pharynx
Rationale: The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen diffuses into the
bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed. The trachea and bronchi are airways, and the
pharynx serves as a passageway for air and food.
2. What is the functional unit of the kidney?
a) Glomerulus
b) Nephron
c) Renal pelvis
d) Ureter
Rationale: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering
blood, reabsorbing nutrients, and forming urine. The glomerulus is part of the nephron,
while the renal pelvis and ureter are involved in urine collection and transport.
3. Which muscle type is responsible for involuntary contractions of the heart?
a) Skeletal muscle
b) Smooth muscle
c) Cardiac muscle
d) Striated muscle
Rationale: Cardiac muscle is unique to the heart, characterized by involuntary
contractions and intercalated discs for coordinated beating. Skeletal muscle is voluntary,
and smooth muscle is found in organs like the intestines.
4. The pancreas secretes which hormone to lower blood glucose levels?
a) Glucagon
b) Insulin
c) Cortisol
d) Epinephrine
Rationale: Insulin, secreted by pancreatic beta cells, lowers blood glucose by promoting
glucose uptake into cells. Glucagon raises blood glucose, while cortisol and epinephrine
have broader metabolic effects.
, 2
5. Which part of the brain regulates heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure?
a) Cerebrum
b) Cerebellum
c) Medulla oblongata
d) Hypothalamus
Rationale: The medulla oblongata in the brainstem controls vital autonomic functions
like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. The cerebrum handles higher functions, the
cerebellum coordinates movement, and the hypothalamus regulates homeostasis.
6. What is the primary function of the large intestine?
a) Nutrient absorption
b) Water absorption and feces formation
c) Protein digestion
d) Bile production
Rationale: The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, forming feces. Nutrient
absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, protein digestion begins in the stomach,
and bile is produced by the liver.
7. Which structure in the skeletal system produces red blood cells?
a) Compact bone
b) ** Bone marrow� Compact bone provides structural support, while bone marrow,
found in the medullary cavity of long bones, produces red blood cells, white blood cells,
and platelets.
8. The lymphatic system primarily functions to:
a) Transport oxygen
b) Return interstitial fluid to the bloodstream
c) Produce digestive enzymes
d) Regulate body temperature
Rationale: The lymphatic system collects excess interstitial fluid (lymph) and returns it
to the bloodstream, while also supporting immunity. Oxygen transport is handled by the
circulatory system, and other functions are unrelated.
9. Which structure allows for the exchange of nutrients and waste between maternal
and fetal blood?
a) Umbilical cord
b) Placenta
c) Amniotic sac
d) Yolk sac
Rationale: The placenta facilitates nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange between
maternal and fetal circulations. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta,
while the amniotic sac and yolk sac have different roles.
10. What is the role of the epiglottis in the respiratory system?
a) Gas exchange
b) Preventing food from entering the airway
c) Producing mucus
d) Filtering air
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that closes the trachea during swallowing
to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. Other structures handle gas exchange,
mucus production, and air filtration.
