WGU D313 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II
COMPREHENSIVE 200-QUESTION PRACTICE
EXAMINATION | 2026/2027 EDITION | 200 VERIFIED
QUESTIONS
WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II Comprehensive Practice Exam 2026-2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive practice examination for WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II features 200
verified questions with correct answers and detailed rationales. Designed to mirror the actual course
assessment, it covers all major systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and
reproductive. Each question includes a thorough explanation of the correct answer and common
distractors, ensuring deep understanding. Ideal for final exam preparation, this resource is updated for
the 2026/2027 academic year to align with the latest curriculum guidelines.
Key Features:
200 verified questions covering all major organ systems
Detailed rationales for correct and incorrect answers
Aligned with WGU D313 course objectives and competencies
Updated for 2026/2027 academic year guidelines
Includes high-yield topics such as acid-base balance and endocrine regulation
Updates for 2026:
- Revised rationales to reflect latest anatomical terminology and physiological concepts
- Added new questions on renal physiology and fluid/electrolyte balance
- Updated distractors to address common student misconceptions
- Incorporated feedback from recent WGU D313 exam takers
- Enhanced formatting for easier navigation and study
Abstract:
This practice examination is a meticulously crafted study tool for WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II,
containing 200 multiple-choice questions that comprehensively assess understanding of human anatomy and
physiology. Each question is accompanied by a correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining the underlying
physiological mechanisms, as well as analysis of common incorrect choices. The content is organized by body
system, reflecting the course's modular structure, and emphasizes integration of homeostatic regulation across
systems. Special attention is given to clinically relevant applications, such as cardiovascular dynamics, respiratory
gas exchange, renal function, and reproductive endocrinology. Updated for the 2026/2027 academic year, this
resource ensures alignment with current WGU competencies and prepares students for the rigor of the final
examination. By engaging with these questions, learners will solidify their grasp of complex physiological
processes and develop critical thinking skills necessary for success in health sciences.
Keywords:
WGU D313, Anatomy and Physiology II, Practice Exam, 200 Questions, Detailed Rationales, Cardiovascular
System, Renal Physiology, Acid-Base Balance
Answer Format:
Each question is presented in a multiple-choice format with four options. The correct answer is clearly indicated,
followed by a detailed rationale that explains why it is correct and why the other options are incorrect. Rationales
include physiological mechanisms, anatomical references, and clinical correlations to reinforce learning.
Page 1
,Compliance Checklist:
All questions are verified against WGU D313 course competencies
Rationales are peer-reviewed for accuracy and clarity
Content reflects 2026/2027 academic year updates
Distractors are plausible and based on common student errors
Questions are categorized by system and difficulty level
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Cardiovascular System 1-40 Cardiac cycle, blood flow, ECG, blood 20%
pressure regulation
Respiratory System 41-80 Gas exchange, lung volumes, acid-base 20%
balance, respiratory control
Digestive System 81-120 Digestion, absorption, hepatic function, 20%
metabolism
Urinary System 121-160 Nephron function, urine formation, 20%
fluid/electrolyte balance, renal regulation
Reproductive System & 161-200 Gametogenesis, hormonal cycles, 20%
Endocrine pregnancy, endocrine disorders
Page 2
,Q1. A researcher is investigating the effect of a novel drug on cardiac contractility. The drug
is found to increase the peak tension developed by isolated ventricular myocytes without
altering the rate of relaxation. Which of the following mechanisms best explains this
observation?
A. Increased calcium influx through L-type channels during the plateau phase
B. Increased sensitivity of troponin C to calcium
C. Inhibition of phospholamban, increasing SERCA activity
D. Activation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors leading to increased cAMP
Correct Answer: B. Increased sensitivity of troponin C to calcium
Rationale: Increased sensitivity of troponin C to calcium allows greater cross-bridge formation
for a given intracellular calcium concentration, enhancing contractility without affecting
relaxation. Option A would increase calcium influx but also prolong relaxation due to sustained
calcium levels. Option C accelerates relaxation (lusitropic effect) but does not increase peak
tension. Option D increases both contractility and relaxation rate via PKA phosphorylation of
multiple targets, including phospholamban and L-type channels.
Why Wrong:
A - Increased calcium influx would increase contractility but also delay relaxation, which
contradicts the unchanged relaxation rate.
C - Inhibition of phospholamban accelerates calcium reuptake, enhancing relaxation, not
peak tension.
D - Beta-1 activation increases both contractility and relaxation rate via multiple
phosphorylations, affecting relaxation.
Reference: Lehne, R.A. (2026). Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 12th Ed., Ch. 18; Guyton &
Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Ed., Ch. 9
Q2. In a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arterial blood gas
analysis reveals pH 7.32, PaCO2 65 mmHg, and HCO3- 32 mEq/L. Which of the following
best describes the acid-base status and the expected compensatory response?
A. Acute respiratory acidosis with metabolic alkalosis
B. Chronic respiratory acidosis with renal compensation
C. Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
D. Mixed respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: B. Chronic respiratory acidosis with renal compensation
Rationale: The elevated PaCO2 indicates respiratory acidosis. The HCO3- is elevated (32
mEq/L), suggesting renal compensation (increased bicarbonate reabsorption) which occurs over
days in chronic respiratory acidosis. The pH is only mildly acidic (7.32) due to compensation.
Acute respiratory acidosis would not have such a high HCO3-. Metabolic alkalosis would have
elevated pH and HCO3- with compensatory hypoventilation (high PaCO2), but the pH here is
acidic.
Why Wrong:
A - Acute respiratory acidosis would have minimal HCO3- elevation (1 mEq/L per 10
mmHg PaCO2 increase), not 32 mEq/L.
Page 3
, C - Metabolic alkalosis would show pH >7.45, not acidic.
D - Metabolic acidosis would have low HCO3-, not elevated.
Reference: Guyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Ed., Ch. 30; West's Respiratory
Physiology, 11th Ed., Ch. 7
Page 4
COMPREHENSIVE 200-QUESTION PRACTICE
EXAMINATION | 2026/2027 EDITION | 200 VERIFIED
QUESTIONS
WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II Comprehensive Practice Exam 2026-2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ALREADY GRADED A+. 100% Verified Solutions | Updated Per Latest Guidelines | Graded A+
This comprehensive practice examination for WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II features 200
verified questions with correct answers and detailed rationales. Designed to mirror the actual course
assessment, it covers all major systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and
reproductive. Each question includes a thorough explanation of the correct answer and common
distractors, ensuring deep understanding. Ideal for final exam preparation, this resource is updated for
the 2026/2027 academic year to align with the latest curriculum guidelines.
Key Features:
200 verified questions covering all major organ systems
Detailed rationales for correct and incorrect answers
Aligned with WGU D313 course objectives and competencies
Updated for 2026/2027 academic year guidelines
Includes high-yield topics such as acid-base balance and endocrine regulation
Updates for 2026:
- Revised rationales to reflect latest anatomical terminology and physiological concepts
- Added new questions on renal physiology and fluid/electrolyte balance
- Updated distractors to address common student misconceptions
- Incorporated feedback from recent WGU D313 exam takers
- Enhanced formatting for easier navigation and study
Abstract:
This practice examination is a meticulously crafted study tool for WGU D313 Anatomy and Physiology II,
containing 200 multiple-choice questions that comprehensively assess understanding of human anatomy and
physiology. Each question is accompanied by a correct answer and a detailed rationale explaining the underlying
physiological mechanisms, as well as analysis of common incorrect choices. The content is organized by body
system, reflecting the course's modular structure, and emphasizes integration of homeostatic regulation across
systems. Special attention is given to clinically relevant applications, such as cardiovascular dynamics, respiratory
gas exchange, renal function, and reproductive endocrinology. Updated for the 2026/2027 academic year, this
resource ensures alignment with current WGU competencies and prepares students for the rigor of the final
examination. By engaging with these questions, learners will solidify their grasp of complex physiological
processes and develop critical thinking skills necessary for success in health sciences.
Keywords:
WGU D313, Anatomy and Physiology II, Practice Exam, 200 Questions, Detailed Rationales, Cardiovascular
System, Renal Physiology, Acid-Base Balance
Answer Format:
Each question is presented in a multiple-choice format with four options. The correct answer is clearly indicated,
followed by a detailed rationale that explains why it is correct and why the other options are incorrect. Rationales
include physiological mechanisms, anatomical references, and clinical correlations to reinforce learning.
Page 1
,Compliance Checklist:
All questions are verified against WGU D313 course competencies
Rationales are peer-reviewed for accuracy and clarity
Content reflects 2026/2027 academic year updates
Distractors are plausible and based on common student errors
Questions are categorized by system and difficulty level
Content Area Overview:
Content Area Questions Key Topics Weight
Cardiovascular System 1-40 Cardiac cycle, blood flow, ECG, blood 20%
pressure regulation
Respiratory System 41-80 Gas exchange, lung volumes, acid-base 20%
balance, respiratory control
Digestive System 81-120 Digestion, absorption, hepatic function, 20%
metabolism
Urinary System 121-160 Nephron function, urine formation, 20%
fluid/electrolyte balance, renal regulation
Reproductive System & 161-200 Gametogenesis, hormonal cycles, 20%
Endocrine pregnancy, endocrine disorders
Page 2
,Q1. A researcher is investigating the effect of a novel drug on cardiac contractility. The drug
is found to increase the peak tension developed by isolated ventricular myocytes without
altering the rate of relaxation. Which of the following mechanisms best explains this
observation?
A. Increased calcium influx through L-type channels during the plateau phase
B. Increased sensitivity of troponin C to calcium
C. Inhibition of phospholamban, increasing SERCA activity
D. Activation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors leading to increased cAMP
Correct Answer: B. Increased sensitivity of troponin C to calcium
Rationale: Increased sensitivity of troponin C to calcium allows greater cross-bridge formation
for a given intracellular calcium concentration, enhancing contractility without affecting
relaxation. Option A would increase calcium influx but also prolong relaxation due to sustained
calcium levels. Option C accelerates relaxation (lusitropic effect) but does not increase peak
tension. Option D increases both contractility and relaxation rate via PKA phosphorylation of
multiple targets, including phospholamban and L-type channels.
Why Wrong:
A - Increased calcium influx would increase contractility but also delay relaxation, which
contradicts the unchanged relaxation rate.
C - Inhibition of phospholamban accelerates calcium reuptake, enhancing relaxation, not
peak tension.
D - Beta-1 activation increases both contractility and relaxation rate via multiple
phosphorylations, affecting relaxation.
Reference: Lehne, R.A. (2026). Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 12th Ed., Ch. 18; Guyton &
Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Ed., Ch. 9
Q2. In a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arterial blood gas
analysis reveals pH 7.32, PaCO2 65 mmHg, and HCO3- 32 mEq/L. Which of the following
best describes the acid-base status and the expected compensatory response?
A. Acute respiratory acidosis with metabolic alkalosis
B. Chronic respiratory acidosis with renal compensation
C. Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
D. Mixed respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: B. Chronic respiratory acidosis with renal compensation
Rationale: The elevated PaCO2 indicates respiratory acidosis. The HCO3- is elevated (32
mEq/L), suggesting renal compensation (increased bicarbonate reabsorption) which occurs over
days in chronic respiratory acidosis. The pH is only mildly acidic (7.32) due to compensation.
Acute respiratory acidosis would not have such a high HCO3-. Metabolic alkalosis would have
elevated pH and HCO3- with compensatory hypoventilation (high PaCO2), but the pH here is
acidic.
Why Wrong:
A - Acute respiratory acidosis would have minimal HCO3- elevation (1 mEq/L per 10
mmHg PaCO2 increase), not 32 mEq/L.
Page 3
, C - Metabolic alkalosis would show pH >7.45, not acidic.
D - Metabolic acidosis would have low HCO3-, not elevated.
Reference: Guyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Ed., Ch. 30; West's Respiratory
Physiology, 11th Ed., Ch. 7
Page 4
