Comprehensive Test Bank for Marieb Human Anatomy &
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter/Section: Chapter 1, Section 1.1
An Overview of Anatomy & Physiology
Subtopic: Complementarity of structure and function
Cognitive level: Recall
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: A nurse explains how tooth shape relates to function.
Which statement best reflects the principle of
complementarity?
A. Form and function are unrelated; function dictates anatomy.
B. Structure determines possible functions; form and function
are complementary.
C. Function always changes anatomy immediately.
D. Only microscopic structures affect function.
Correct answer: B
Rationale (correct): Marieb defines the principle of
complementarity: the structure of a body part reflects its
function (e.g., incisors vs. molars). Structure constrains and
enables specific functions; textbooks pair anatomical
description with functional explanation to teach A&P. Use Fig.
1.1 as a classic illustration. Pearson
Why A is wrong: It inverts the relationship; physiology is
explained by underlying anatomy, not vice versa. Marieb
,emphasizes that anatomy and physiology are inseparable.
Pearson
Why C is wrong: Function does not instantaneously alter gross
anatomy; structural changes may occur over time
(development, remodeling), not as immediate rule. Pearson
Why D is wrong: Both macroscopic and microscopic structures
determine function; gross anatomy (shape) often explains gross
function. Pearson
Teaching point: Structure and function are complementary —
shape enables specific tasks.
A&P002
Chapter 1 — Section 1.2 The body’s organization ranges from
atoms to the organism; pp. 34–35, Fig. 1.2
Subtopic: Levels of structural organization
Cognitive level: Recall/Application
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: Which sequence lists levels of structural organization
from simplest to most complex?
A. Tissue → Organ → Organism → Cell
B. Atom → Molecule → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system
→ Organism
C. Molecule → Atom → Tissue → Cell → Organ
D. Cell → Atom → Molecule → Tissue → Organism
Correct answer: B
,Rationale (correct): Marieb lists the structural hierarchy from
chemical (atoms, molecules) through organelle, cell, tissue,
organ, organ system to organism; Figure 1.2 illustrates this
progression and uses cardiovascular components as examples.
Understanding order is foundational for linking molecular
events to whole-body outcomes. Pearson
Why A is wrong: It places cells after tissues incorrectly; cells are
the basic unit and precede tissues. Pearson
Why C is wrong: It reverses atom/molecule order and misorders
tissues/cells; atoms combine to make molecules, not the
reverse. Pearson
Why D is wrong: It incorrectly places atoms after cells and omits
organ systems, breaking the canonical hierarchy. Pearson
Teaching point: Memorize the structural hierarchy — it links
molecules to whole-body function.
A&P003
Chapter 1 — Section 1.2 Organ systems overview; pp. 35–37,
Fig. 1.4
Subtopic: Organ systems and major functions
Cognitive level: Application
Difficulty: Medium
Stem: A patient has difficulty exchanging O₂ and CO₂. Which
organ system is primarily responsible for this function?
A. Digestive system
, B. Respiratory system
C. Lymphatic system
D. Urinary system
Correct answer: B
Rationale (correct): Marieb identifies the respiratory system as
taking in oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide; Figure 1.4 lists
major systems and functions, with respiration as the respiratory
system’s primary role. Clinically, impaired gas exchange points
to respiratory pathology or failure. Pearson
Why A is wrong: The digestive system handles nutrient
breakdown and absorption, not primary gas exchange. Pearson
Why C is wrong: The lymphatic system returns interstitial fluid
and participates in immunity, not gas exchange. Pearson
Why D is wrong: The urinary system removes nitrogenous
wastes and regulates fluid/electrolytes rather than gas
exchange. Pearson
Teaching point: Match presenting physiologic deficit to the
organ system (e.g., gas exchange → respiratory).
A&P004
Chapter 1 — Section 1.3 Necessary life functions — Maintaining
boundaries; pp. 35–37, Fig. 1.4a
Subtopic: Maintaining boundaries (integumentary)
Cognitive level: Recall/Application
Difficulty: Easy
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter/Section: Chapter 1, Section 1.1
An Overview of Anatomy & Physiology
Subtopic: Complementarity of structure and function
Cognitive level: Recall
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: A nurse explains how tooth shape relates to function.
Which statement best reflects the principle of
complementarity?
A. Form and function are unrelated; function dictates anatomy.
B. Structure determines possible functions; form and function
are complementary.
C. Function always changes anatomy immediately.
D. Only microscopic structures affect function.
Correct answer: B
Rationale (correct): Marieb defines the principle of
complementarity: the structure of a body part reflects its
function (e.g., incisors vs. molars). Structure constrains and
enables specific functions; textbooks pair anatomical
description with functional explanation to teach A&P. Use Fig.
1.1 as a classic illustration. Pearson
Why A is wrong: It inverts the relationship; physiology is
explained by underlying anatomy, not vice versa. Marieb
,emphasizes that anatomy and physiology are inseparable.
Pearson
Why C is wrong: Function does not instantaneously alter gross
anatomy; structural changes may occur over time
(development, remodeling), not as immediate rule. Pearson
Why D is wrong: Both macroscopic and microscopic structures
determine function; gross anatomy (shape) often explains gross
function. Pearson
Teaching point: Structure and function are complementary —
shape enables specific tasks.
A&P002
Chapter 1 — Section 1.2 The body’s organization ranges from
atoms to the organism; pp. 34–35, Fig. 1.2
Subtopic: Levels of structural organization
Cognitive level: Recall/Application
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: Which sequence lists levels of structural organization
from simplest to most complex?
A. Tissue → Organ → Organism → Cell
B. Atom → Molecule → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system
→ Organism
C. Molecule → Atom → Tissue → Cell → Organ
D. Cell → Atom → Molecule → Tissue → Organism
Correct answer: B
,Rationale (correct): Marieb lists the structural hierarchy from
chemical (atoms, molecules) through organelle, cell, tissue,
organ, organ system to organism; Figure 1.2 illustrates this
progression and uses cardiovascular components as examples.
Understanding order is foundational for linking molecular
events to whole-body outcomes. Pearson
Why A is wrong: It places cells after tissues incorrectly; cells are
the basic unit and precede tissues. Pearson
Why C is wrong: It reverses atom/molecule order and misorders
tissues/cells; atoms combine to make molecules, not the
reverse. Pearson
Why D is wrong: It incorrectly places atoms after cells and omits
organ systems, breaking the canonical hierarchy. Pearson
Teaching point: Memorize the structural hierarchy — it links
molecules to whole-body function.
A&P003
Chapter 1 — Section 1.2 Organ systems overview; pp. 35–37,
Fig. 1.4
Subtopic: Organ systems and major functions
Cognitive level: Application
Difficulty: Medium
Stem: A patient has difficulty exchanging O₂ and CO₂. Which
organ system is primarily responsible for this function?
A. Digestive system
, B. Respiratory system
C. Lymphatic system
D. Urinary system
Correct answer: B
Rationale (correct): Marieb identifies the respiratory system as
taking in oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide; Figure 1.4 lists
major systems and functions, with respiration as the respiratory
system’s primary role. Clinically, impaired gas exchange points
to respiratory pathology or failure. Pearson
Why A is wrong: The digestive system handles nutrient
breakdown and absorption, not primary gas exchange. Pearson
Why C is wrong: The lymphatic system returns interstitial fluid
and participates in immunity, not gas exchange. Pearson
Why D is wrong: The urinary system removes nitrogenous
wastes and regulates fluid/electrolytes rather than gas
exchange. Pearson
Teaching point: Match presenting physiologic deficit to the
organ system (e.g., gas exchange → respiratory).
A&P004
Chapter 1 — Section 1.3 Necessary life functions — Maintaining
boundaries; pp. 35–37, Fig. 1.4a
Subtopic: Maintaining boundaries (integumentary)
Cognitive level: Recall/Application
Difficulty: Easy
