HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology | 2026 Expert Verified | 150+ Definitions | Hormones, Cavities, Cells, Glands, Muscles

This expertly compiled glossary-style resource presents 150+ essential terms and definitions verified for the 2026 HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology exam. The document is structured as a clean Q&A-style answer key, helping students rapidly internalize core A&P vocabulary and concepts critical for exam success. Covering terms alphabetically, the guide defines high-yield topics such as: Body cavities and planes (e.g., abdominopelvic, thoracic, sagittal, transverse, coronal, dorsal, cranial) Muscular and skeletal system components (e.g., sarcomere, actin, myosin, cartilage, ligaments, joints, bones, vertebrae) Major organ functions and locations (e.g., diaphragm, hypothalamus, endometrium, pancreas, heart chambers, spinal cord) Tissues and membranes (e.g., epithelial, connective, serous, mucous, synovial, subcutaneous tissue) Hormones and endocrine-related terms (e.g., cortisol, hypothalamus, pituitary, vasodilation, vasoconstriction) Digestive and circulatory system basics (e.g., bile, chyme, plasma, systemic circulation, pulmonary circulation) Cellular anatomy and processes (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, ribosome, ATP, chromosomes, phagocytosis, diffusion, osmosis) Integumentary system (e.g., epidermis, keratin, sebaceous and sudoriferous glands) Reproductive terms (e.g., embryo, zygote, placenta) As seen throughout the document, definitions are concise and consistently accurate—for instance, “Actin – Protein making up the I band of the sarcomere” and “Hypothalamus – Portion of the brain that regulates body temperature, sleep, and appetite”. Best suited for: HESI A2 2026 exam takers Pre-nursing, LPN/ADN, and BSN applicants Students in allied health and healthcare foundation programs A&P learners seeking vocabulary reinforcement or quick-reference prep Keywords: HESI A2 2026, anatomy and physiology, body cavities, anatomical planes, hormones, glands, actin, myosin, sarcomere, endocrine system, nervous system, brain parts, connective tissue, ATP, diffusion, absorption, zygote, embryo, phagocytosis, mucous membrane, cardiovascular system, exam prep glossary