HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology: Skeletal System | Actual
Exam Questions & 100% Correct Answers | Latest
Update 2026 | HESI Exam Prep
1. Describe the function of ligaments in maintaining joint stability.
Ligaments provide stability to joints by connecting bones and
limiting excessive movement.
Ligaments are responsible for muscle contraction around joints.
Ligaments allow for free movement of joints without restrictions.
Ligaments serve as the primary source of energy for joint movement.
2. What is the definition of joints in the context of the skeletal system?
Joints are the fluid-filled cavities within bones.
Joints are the connections between bones that allow for movement.
Joints are the tissues that connect muscles to bones.
Joints are the rigid structures that support the body.
3. What anatomical feature of the female skeleton is adapted for childbirth?
Skull
Spine
Ribcage
Pelvis
4. Describe the role of the axial skeleton in the human body.
, The axial skeleton connects the upper and lower limbs.
The axial skeleton is responsible for limb movement and flexibility.
The axial skeleton stores minerals and produces blood cells.
The axial skeleton supports the head and trunk, protects the brain
and spinal cord, and provides attachment points for muscles.
5. What are the three types of joints classified as synarthroses?
Cartilaginous, synovial, and fibrous
Hinge, ball-and-socket, and pivot
Ellipsoidal, saddle, and gliding
Suture, gomphosis, and syndesmosis
6. What bones make up the os coxae?
Ilium, ischium, and pubis
Scapula and clavicle
Femur and tibia
Radius and ulna
7. If a person suffers from a condition that weakens their bones, what aspect of
body function would be most directly impacted?
Body support
Muscle contraction
Nerve signaling
Blood circulation
8. What is the medical term for the degeneration of joints characterized by the
loss of cartilage at the ends of bones?
, Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Bursitis
Gout
9. Describe the characteristics that differentiate a syndesmosis joint from a
suture joint.
A syndesmosis joint is completely rigid, whereas a suture joint allows
for significant movement.
A syndesmosis joint is a type of synovial joint, while a suture joint is a
fibrous joint.
A syndesmosis joint is found only in the skull, while a suture joint is
found throughout the body.
A syndesmosis joint has more connective tissue and allows for slight
movement, while a suture joint is immovable and has tightly
interlocking edges.
10. If a person suffers an injury to their vertebral column, which functions of the
axial skeleton might be compromised?
Protection of the spinal cord and support for the head and torso
Regulation of body temperature and metabolic processes
Facilitation of limb movement and muscle attachment
Production of blood cells and storage of minerals
11. The figure below shows the development of osteoblasts and osteocytes,
originating from a type of stem cell. Where in a typical long bone can you
find the cells indicated by number 1?
, Fibrous and cellular layers of periosteum
Endosteum and fibrous layer of periosteum
Endosteum and cellular layer of periosteum
Endosteum and red bone marrow
Red bone marrow only
12. What are the main components of the appendicular skeleton?
Pelvis and spine
Skull and vertebrae
Limbs and girdles
Ribs and sternum
13. Describe the role of the appendicular skeleton in the human body.
The appendicular skeleton stores minerals.
The appendicular skeleton produces blood cells.
The appendicular skeleton protects vital organs.
Exam Questions & 100% Correct Answers | Latest
Update 2026 | HESI Exam Prep
1. Describe the function of ligaments in maintaining joint stability.
Ligaments provide stability to joints by connecting bones and
limiting excessive movement.
Ligaments are responsible for muscle contraction around joints.
Ligaments allow for free movement of joints without restrictions.
Ligaments serve as the primary source of energy for joint movement.
2. What is the definition of joints in the context of the skeletal system?
Joints are the fluid-filled cavities within bones.
Joints are the connections between bones that allow for movement.
Joints are the tissues that connect muscles to bones.
Joints are the rigid structures that support the body.
3. What anatomical feature of the female skeleton is adapted for childbirth?
Skull
Spine
Ribcage
Pelvis
4. Describe the role of the axial skeleton in the human body.
, The axial skeleton connects the upper and lower limbs.
The axial skeleton is responsible for limb movement and flexibility.
The axial skeleton stores minerals and produces blood cells.
The axial skeleton supports the head and trunk, protects the brain
and spinal cord, and provides attachment points for muscles.
5. What are the three types of joints classified as synarthroses?
Cartilaginous, synovial, and fibrous
Hinge, ball-and-socket, and pivot
Ellipsoidal, saddle, and gliding
Suture, gomphosis, and syndesmosis
6. What bones make up the os coxae?
Ilium, ischium, and pubis
Scapula and clavicle
Femur and tibia
Radius and ulna
7. If a person suffers from a condition that weakens their bones, what aspect of
body function would be most directly impacted?
Body support
Muscle contraction
Nerve signaling
Blood circulation
8. What is the medical term for the degeneration of joints characterized by the
loss of cartilage at the ends of bones?
, Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Bursitis
Gout
9. Describe the characteristics that differentiate a syndesmosis joint from a
suture joint.
A syndesmosis joint is completely rigid, whereas a suture joint allows
for significant movement.
A syndesmosis joint is a type of synovial joint, while a suture joint is a
fibrous joint.
A syndesmosis joint is found only in the skull, while a suture joint is
found throughout the body.
A syndesmosis joint has more connective tissue and allows for slight
movement, while a suture joint is immovable and has tightly
interlocking edges.
10. If a person suffers an injury to their vertebral column, which functions of the
axial skeleton might be compromised?
Protection of the spinal cord and support for the head and torso
Regulation of body temperature and metabolic processes
Facilitation of limb movement and muscle attachment
Production of blood cells and storage of minerals
11. The figure below shows the development of osteoblasts and osteocytes,
originating from a type of stem cell. Where in a typical long bone can you
find the cells indicated by number 1?
, Fibrous and cellular layers of periosteum
Endosteum and fibrous layer of periosteum
Endosteum and cellular layer of periosteum
Endosteum and red bone marrow
Red bone marrow only
12. What are the main components of the appendicular skeleton?
Pelvis and spine
Skull and vertebrae
Limbs and girdles
Ribs and sternum
13. Describe the role of the appendicular skeleton in the human body.
The appendicular skeleton stores minerals.
The appendicular skeleton produces blood cells.
The appendicular skeleton protects vital organs.
