NURSING ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY EXAM (2026/2027) UPDATE
Nursing Anatomy & Physiology Comprehensive Examination | Core Domains: Basic
Anatomical Terminology & Organization, Cellular Biology & Histology,
Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous System & Special
Senses, Endocrine System, Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic & Immune Systems,
Respiratory System, Digestive System, Urinary System, and Reproductive Systems |
Nursing Program Focus | Foundational Science Exam Format
Exam Structure
The Nursing Anatomy & Physiology Exam for the 2026/2027 academic cycle is a 100-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination.
Introduction
This Nursing Anatomy & Physiology Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle prepares nursing students for
the foundational science assessment essential for clinical practice. The content emphasizes the
interrelationship of structure and function across all body systems, providing the critical basis for
understanding pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing interventions in patient care.
Answer Format
All correct answers and anatomical/physiological concepts must be presented in bold and green,
followed by detailed rationales that describe structural relationships, explain physiological mechanisms,
and apply concepts to nursing-relevant clinical scenarios and homeostatic imbalances.
Full 100-Question Nursing Anatomy & Physiology Exam
1. Which plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts?
A. Sagittal
B. Frontal
C. Transverse
D. Coronal
,The transverse (horizontal) plane cuts the body horizontally into upper (superior) and lower (inferior)
sections. The sagittal plane divides left/right; frontal (coronal) divides anterior/posterior. Thus,
Transverse is correct.
2. Which organelle is responsible for ATP production?
A. Nucleus
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Mitochondria
D. Lysosome
Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of the cell, generating ATP through aerobic respiration. This
energy is essential for cellular functions like muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission.
Therefore, Mitochondria is correct.
3. Which tissue type lines body cavities and forms glands?
A. Connective
B. Muscle
C. Epithelial
D. Nervous
Epithelial tissue covers surfaces, lines cavities (e.g., digestive tract), and forms glands (e.g., sweat,
salivary). It provides protection, secretion, and absorption. Thus, Epithelial is correct.
4. What is the primary function of the stratum corneum?
A. Produce melanin
B. Provide a waterproof barrier against pathogens and dehydration
C. Generate new skin cells
D. Sense touch
,The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, keratinized cells. It acts
as a protective barrier that prevents water loss and blocks entry of microbes and chemicals. Hence,
Provide a waterproof barrier against pathogens and dehydration is correct.
5. Which bone is part of the axial skeleton?
A. Femur
B. Humerus
C. Sternum
D. Tibia
The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum—structures that protect vital
organs. The femur, humerus, and tibia are appendicular bones. Thus, Sternum is correct.
6. What type of joint is the elbow?
A. Ball-and-socket
B. Hinge
C. Pivot
D. Gliding
The elbow allows movement in one plane (flexion/extension), characteristic of a hinge joint.
Ball-and-socket joints (e.g., shoulder) allow multi-axial movement. Therefore, Hinge is correct.
7. Which muscle is the primary agonist for elbow flexion?
A. Triceps brachii
B. Biceps brachii
C. Deltoid
D. Brachialis
, The biceps brachii is the main flexor of the elbow. The triceps is the antagonist (extensor). While the
brachialis also flexes, the biceps is the primary agonist. Thus, Biceps brachii is correct.
8. What is the functional unit of the nervous system?
A. Glial cell
B. Neuron
C. Axon
D. Synapse
The neuron is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system, specialized for electrical
and chemical signaling. Glial cells support neurons but do not conduct impulses. Hence, Neuron is
correct.
9. Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?
A. Oculomotor (III)
B. Optic (II)
C. Trochlear (IV)
D. Abducens (VI)
The optic nerve (Cranial Nerve II) transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. CN III, IV,
and VI control eye movement. Thus, Optic (II) is correct.
10. Where are the photoreceptors for low-light vision located?
A. Cones in the fovea
B. Rods in the peripheral retina
C. Bipolar cells
D. Ganglion cells
Nursing Anatomy & Physiology Comprehensive Examination | Core Domains: Basic
Anatomical Terminology & Organization, Cellular Biology & Histology,
Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous System & Special
Senses, Endocrine System, Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic & Immune Systems,
Respiratory System, Digestive System, Urinary System, and Reproductive Systems |
Nursing Program Focus | Foundational Science Exam Format
Exam Structure
The Nursing Anatomy & Physiology Exam for the 2026/2027 academic cycle is a 100-question,
multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination.
Introduction
This Nursing Anatomy & Physiology Exam guide for the 2026/2027 cycle prepares nursing students for
the foundational science assessment essential for clinical practice. The content emphasizes the
interrelationship of structure and function across all body systems, providing the critical basis for
understanding pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing interventions in patient care.
Answer Format
All correct answers and anatomical/physiological concepts must be presented in bold and green,
followed by detailed rationales that describe structural relationships, explain physiological mechanisms,
and apply concepts to nursing-relevant clinical scenarios and homeostatic imbalances.
Full 100-Question Nursing Anatomy & Physiology Exam
1. Which plane divides the body into superior and inferior parts?
A. Sagittal
B. Frontal
C. Transverse
D. Coronal
,The transverse (horizontal) plane cuts the body horizontally into upper (superior) and lower (inferior)
sections. The sagittal plane divides left/right; frontal (coronal) divides anterior/posterior. Thus,
Transverse is correct.
2. Which organelle is responsible for ATP production?
A. Nucleus
B. Golgi apparatus
C. Mitochondria
D. Lysosome
Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of the cell, generating ATP through aerobic respiration. This
energy is essential for cellular functions like muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission.
Therefore, Mitochondria is correct.
3. Which tissue type lines body cavities and forms glands?
A. Connective
B. Muscle
C. Epithelial
D. Nervous
Epithelial tissue covers surfaces, lines cavities (e.g., digestive tract), and forms glands (e.g., sweat,
salivary). It provides protection, secretion, and absorption. Thus, Epithelial is correct.
4. What is the primary function of the stratum corneum?
A. Produce melanin
B. Provide a waterproof barrier against pathogens and dehydration
C. Generate new skin cells
D. Sense touch
,The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, keratinized cells. It acts
as a protective barrier that prevents water loss and blocks entry of microbes and chemicals. Hence,
Provide a waterproof barrier against pathogens and dehydration is correct.
5. Which bone is part of the axial skeleton?
A. Femur
B. Humerus
C. Sternum
D. Tibia
The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum—structures that protect vital
organs. The femur, humerus, and tibia are appendicular bones. Thus, Sternum is correct.
6. What type of joint is the elbow?
A. Ball-and-socket
B. Hinge
C. Pivot
D. Gliding
The elbow allows movement in one plane (flexion/extension), characteristic of a hinge joint.
Ball-and-socket joints (e.g., shoulder) allow multi-axial movement. Therefore, Hinge is correct.
7. Which muscle is the primary agonist for elbow flexion?
A. Triceps brachii
B. Biceps brachii
C. Deltoid
D. Brachialis
, The biceps brachii is the main flexor of the elbow. The triceps is the antagonist (extensor). While the
brachialis also flexes, the biceps is the primary agonist. Thus, Biceps brachii is correct.
8. What is the functional unit of the nervous system?
A. Glial cell
B. Neuron
C. Axon
D. Synapse
The neuron is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system, specialized for electrical
and chemical signaling. Glial cells support neurons but do not conduct impulses. Hence, Neuron is
correct.
9. Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?
A. Oculomotor (III)
B. Optic (II)
C. Trochlear (IV)
D. Abducens (VI)
The optic nerve (Cranial Nerve II) transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. CN III, IV,
and VI control eye movement. Thus, Optic (II) is correct.
10. Where are the photoreceptors for low-light vision located?
A. Cones in the fovea
B. Rods in the peripheral retina
C. Bipolar cells
D. Ganglion cells
