WGU OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT EXAM 2026/2027 | QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS Competency-Based | Actual Questions &
Verified Answers | Western Governors University Competency
Assessment | Pass Guarantee
SECTION 1: Anatomy & Physiology (Questions 1-40)
Which directional term describes a structure located closer to the midline of the body?
A. Lateral
B. Proximal
C. Medial
1. D. Distal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Medial means toward the midline; lateral means away from the midline.
Proximal/distal refer to attachment points on limbs, not midline position.
The primary function of the skeletal system does NOT include:
A. Hematopoiesis
B. Mineral storage
C. Hormone production
2. D. Protection of vital organs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The skeletal system produces blood cells (hematopoiesis in marrow), stores
calcium/phosphorus, and protects organs. Hormone production is primarily endocrine
system function.
Which bone is part of the axial skeleton?
A. Femur
B. Humerus
C. Sternum
, 3. D. Radius
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The axial skeleton includes skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.
Appendicular skeleton includes limb bones (femur, humerus, radius).
The biceps brachii muscle is an example of which muscle type?
A. Smooth muscle
B. Cardiac muscle
C. Skeletal muscle
4. D. Visceral muscle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Biceps brachii is voluntary, striated skeletal muscle attached to bones.
Smooth muscle is involuntary (digestive tract, blood vessels). Cardiac muscle is heart
only.
Which chamber of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs?
A. Right atrium
B. Right ventricle
C. Left atrium
5. D. Left ventricle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxygenated blood returns via pulmonary veins to the left atrium. Left
ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to body. Right side handles deoxygenated blood.
The pacemaker of the heart is the:
A. AV node
B. SA node
C. Bundle of His
6. D. Purkinje fibers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sinoatrial (SA) node initiates electrical impulses at 60-100 bpm. AV node
delays impulse (40-60 bpm if SA fails). Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers conduct
impulses through ventricles.
,Which blood vessel carries deoxygenated blood?
A. Pulmonary vein
B. Aorta
C. Pulmonary artery
7. D. Carotid artery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from right ventricle to lungs.
Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood back to heart—exception to "arteries carry
oxygenated blood" rule.
The functional unit of the kidney is the:
A. Nephron
B. Ureter
C. Glomerulus
8. D. Renal pelvis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nephron is the microscopic filtering unit (glomerulus + tubule). Glomerulus is
only the filtering portion. Ureter and renal pelvis are drainage structures, not functional
units.
Which hormone is produced by the posterior pituitary gland?
A. Growth hormone
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
C. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
9. D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ADH and oxytocin are produced by hypothalamus and stored/released by
posterior pituitary. GH, TSH, and ACTH are synthesized and released by anterior
pituitary.
The primary function of the large intestine is:
A. Protein digestion
B. Nutrient absorption
C. Water absorption and feces formation
, 10. D. Bile production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Large intestine (colon) absorbs water and electrolytes, forming feces. Protein
digestion occurs in stomach/small intestine. Most nutrient absorption is small intestine.
Bile is produced by liver.
Which structure connects the pharynx to the trachea?
A. Esophagus
B. Larynx
C. Bronchus
11. D. Alveolus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The larynx (voice box) is the passageway between pharynx and trachea,
containing vocal cords. Esophagus is posterior to trachea for food. Bronchi branch from
trachea. Alveoli are air sacs.
The neurotransmitter primarily associated with muscle contraction is:
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
12. D. GABA
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acetylcholine is released at neuromuscular junctions to stimulate muscle
contraction. Dopamine affects movement/reward, serotonin regulates mood, GABA is
inhibitory.
Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for auditory processing?
A. Frontal
B. Parietal
C. Temporal
13. D. Occipital
Correct Answer: C
CORRECT ANSWERS Competency-Based | Actual Questions &
Verified Answers | Western Governors University Competency
Assessment | Pass Guarantee
SECTION 1: Anatomy & Physiology (Questions 1-40)
Which directional term describes a structure located closer to the midline of the body?
A. Lateral
B. Proximal
C. Medial
1. D. Distal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Medial means toward the midline; lateral means away from the midline.
Proximal/distal refer to attachment points on limbs, not midline position.
The primary function of the skeletal system does NOT include:
A. Hematopoiesis
B. Mineral storage
C. Hormone production
2. D. Protection of vital organs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The skeletal system produces blood cells (hematopoiesis in marrow), stores
calcium/phosphorus, and protects organs. Hormone production is primarily endocrine
system function.
Which bone is part of the axial skeleton?
A. Femur
B. Humerus
C. Sternum
, 3. D. Radius
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The axial skeleton includes skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.
Appendicular skeleton includes limb bones (femur, humerus, radius).
The biceps brachii muscle is an example of which muscle type?
A. Smooth muscle
B. Cardiac muscle
C. Skeletal muscle
4. D. Visceral muscle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Biceps brachii is voluntary, striated skeletal muscle attached to bones.
Smooth muscle is involuntary (digestive tract, blood vessels). Cardiac muscle is heart
only.
Which chamber of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs?
A. Right atrium
B. Right ventricle
C. Left atrium
5. D. Left ventricle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxygenated blood returns via pulmonary veins to the left atrium. Left
ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to body. Right side handles deoxygenated blood.
The pacemaker of the heart is the:
A. AV node
B. SA node
C. Bundle of His
6. D. Purkinje fibers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sinoatrial (SA) node initiates electrical impulses at 60-100 bpm. AV node
delays impulse (40-60 bpm if SA fails). Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers conduct
impulses through ventricles.
,Which blood vessel carries deoxygenated blood?
A. Pulmonary vein
B. Aorta
C. Pulmonary artery
7. D. Carotid artery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from right ventricle to lungs.
Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood back to heart—exception to "arteries carry
oxygenated blood" rule.
The functional unit of the kidney is the:
A. Nephron
B. Ureter
C. Glomerulus
8. D. Renal pelvis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nephron is the microscopic filtering unit (glomerulus + tubule). Glomerulus is
only the filtering portion. Ureter and renal pelvis are drainage structures, not functional
units.
Which hormone is produced by the posterior pituitary gland?
A. Growth hormone
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
C. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
9. D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ADH and oxytocin are produced by hypothalamus and stored/released by
posterior pituitary. GH, TSH, and ACTH are synthesized and released by anterior
pituitary.
The primary function of the large intestine is:
A. Protein digestion
B. Nutrient absorption
C. Water absorption and feces formation
, 10. D. Bile production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Large intestine (colon) absorbs water and electrolytes, forming feces. Protein
digestion occurs in stomach/small intestine. Most nutrient absorption is small intestine.
Bile is produced by liver.
Which structure connects the pharynx to the trachea?
A. Esophagus
B. Larynx
C. Bronchus
11. D. Alveolus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The larynx (voice box) is the passageway between pharynx and trachea,
containing vocal cords. Esophagus is posterior to trachea for food. Bronchi branch from
trachea. Alveoli are air sacs.
The neurotransmitter primarily associated with muscle contraction is:
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
12. D. GABA
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acetylcholine is released at neuromuscular junctions to stimulate muscle
contraction. Dopamine affects movement/reward, serotonin regulates mood, GABA is
inhibitory.
Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for auditory processing?
A. Frontal
B. Parietal
C. Temporal
13. D. Occipital
Correct Answer: C
