SCI-220: Human Anatomy Final Exam | 100-Question Master Prep
Nightingale College Edition (2025/2026)
Section 1: Levels of Organization & Terminology
1. Which anatomical plane divides the body into superior and inferior portions?
A) Sagittal
B) Frontal (Coronal)
C) Transverse (Horizontal)
D) Midsagittal
Elaboration: The transverse plane runs horizontally, creating a "cross-section" of the body
that separates the head/torso from the lower extremities.
2. The wrist is __________ to the elbow.
A) Proximal
B) Distal
C) Medial
D) Superior
Elaboration: Distal refers to a position farther from the point of attachment to the trunk (the
shoulder in this case).
3. Which body cavity contains the lungs and heart?
A) Abdominal
B) Pelvic
C) Thoracic
D) Cranial
Elaboration: The thoracic cavity is part of the ventral cavity and is protected by the rib cage
and separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm.
4. The "Homeostatic Control System" involves which three components?
A) Brain, Nerves, Muscles
B) Receptor, Control Center, Effector
, C) Input, Process, Output
D) Heart, Lungs, Blood
Elaboration: The receptor detects change, the control center (usually the brain) processes it,
and the effector (muscle/gland) carries out the response.
5. What is the fundamental structural and functional unit of life?
A) Atom
B) Molecule
C) Cell
D) Tissue
Elaboration: All physiological processes are essentially the result of cellular activities; cells are
the smallest unit that can perform all life functions.
Section 2: The Integumentary System
6. Which layer of the skin is composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium?
A) Dermis
B) Hypodermis
C) Epidermis
D) Subcutaneous layer
Elaboration: The epidermis is the superficial, waterproof shield of the body, characterized by
cells filled with the tough protein keratin.
7. Which "stratum" of the epidermis is only found in thick skin (palms and soles)?
A) Stratum basale
B) Stratum spinosum
C) Stratum lucidum
D) Stratum corneum
Elaboration: Stratum lucidum is a clear, thin layer of dead cells that provides extra protection
in high-friction areas.
8. "Cyanosis" (bluish skin tint) is a clinical indicator of:
A) Liver failure.
, B) Low blood oxygen levels.
C) Excessive sun exposure.
D) Dehydration.
Elaboration: When hemoglobin is poorly oxygenated, it takes on a dark red/blue hue, which
is visible through the thin skin of the lips and nail beds.
9. Which gland is responsible for "cold sweat" and is associated with hair follicles?
A) Eccrine sweat gland
B) Apocrine sweat gland
C) Sebaceous gland
D) Ceruminous gland
Elaboration: Apocrine glands are found in axillary and anogenital regions; they secrete a
milky substance that is broken down by bacteria, causing odor.
10. The "Rule of Nines" is used to:
A) Count moles.
B) Estimate the percentage of body surface area burned.
C) Measure skin thickness.
D) Determine hair growth stages.
Elaboration: This allows clinicians to quickly estimate fluid loss and the severity of burn
trauma for emergency treatment.
Section 3: The Skeletal System
11. Which type of bone cell is responsible for bone resorption (breaking down bone)?
A) Osteoblast
B) Osteocyte
C) Osteoclast
D) Osteogenic cell
Elaboration: Osteoclasts secrete enzymes and acids that dissolve bone matrix, a process
critical for calcium regulation and remodeling.
12. The structural unit of compact bone is the: