Detailed Rationales | Fall Semester 2025/2026 |
Updated 2026 Edition | 250+ Verified Anatomy and
Physiology Practice Questions with Answers &
Rationales | Comprehensive Study Guide for Nursing,
Medical, and Health Science Students
Question 1
A patient presents with shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate. Which system is
primarily responsible for regulating these responses?
A) Nervous system. (Correct Option)
B) Endocrine system
C) Muscular system
D) Digestive system
Rationale:
The nervous system regulates shortness of breath and heart rate through autonomic
functions, particularly the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for
rapid responses.
Question 2
Which structure in the kidney is primarily responsible for filtering blood and forming
urine?
A) Nephron. (Correct Option)
B) Ureter
C) Renal pelvis
D) Glomerulus
Rationale:
The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney that filters blood and forms urine,
involving processes like filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
Question 3
During exercise, which physiological change occurs in the skeletal muscles?
A) Increased blood flow. (Correct Option)
B) Decreased oxygen consumption
C) Reduced metabolic rate
D) Decreased lactic acid production
,Rationale:
During exercise, skeletal muscles require more oxygen and nutrients, leading to
increased blood flow to meet metabolic demands.
Question 4
What role do the alveoli play in the respiratory system?
A) Gas exchange. (Correct Option)
B) Air filtration
C) Sound production
D) Oxygen storage
Rationale:
Alveoli are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to
enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled.
Question 5
Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism and energy levels?
A) Thyroxine. (Correct Option)
B) Insulin
C) Cortisol
D) Adrenaline
Rationale:
Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism
and energy levels in the body.
Question 6
A patient has a deficiency in vitamin D. What is the most likely physiological effect?
A) Impaired calcium absorption. (Correct Option)
B) Increased blood pressure
C) Excessive urination
D) Decreased protein synthesis
Rationale:
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines. A deficiency can lead to
impaired calcium absorption and related issues like osteoporosis.
,Question 7
What is the primary function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?
A) Transport oxygen. (Correct Option)
B) Fight infection
C) Clot blood
D) Remove waste
Rationale:
Red blood cells primarily function to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and
carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.
Question 8
Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating balance and motor control?
A) Cerebellum. (Correct Option)
B) Cerebrum
C) Brainstem
D) Thalamus
Rationale:
The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating balance, motor control, and fine-tuning
movements, ensuring smooth and balanced physical activity.
Question 9
What is the main function of the small intestine in digestion?
A) Nutrient absorption. (Correct Option)
B) Food storage
C) Water reabsorption
D) Hormone secretion
Rationale:
The small intestine is primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients and minerals
from food, playing a crucial role in the digestive process.
Question 10
A patient with diabetes mellitus has elevated blood glucose levels. What is the primary
hormone that regulates blood sugar?
, A) Insulin. (Correct Option)
B) Glucagon
C) Cortisol
D) Epinephrine
Rationale:
Insulin is the primary hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose
levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
Question 11
What is the main role of the lymphatic system?
A) Fluid balance and immune response. (Correct Option)
B) Nutrient absorption
C) Hormone transport
D) Waste removal
Rationale:
The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance in tissues and plays a crucial role in
the immune response by transporting lymph, which contains immune cells.
Question 12
Which structure in the heart prevents the backflow of blood?
A) Valves. (Correct Option)
B) Chambers
C) Myocardium
D) Septum
Rationale:
Heart valves prevent the backflow of blood, ensuring it flows in one direction through
the heart and into the arteries.
Question 13
What physiological change occurs in the body during the "fight or flight" response?
A) Increased heart rate. (Correct Option)
B) Decreased respiratory rate
C) Lower blood pressure
D) Reduced blood sugar levels