P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI Anatomy & Physiology
Exam Questions & Answers
2026-2027 | Latest Verified
Questions (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
185 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document provides 185 verified HESI Anatomy & Physiology exam questions, each with its correct
answer and detailed rationales, including diagrams. It is a comprehensive resource for understanding core
anatomical and physiological concepts. This material is directly suitable for exam preparation, in-depth
study, and thorough review of the subject matter.
CONTENTS
• Cell Division • Integumentary System
• Skeletal System • Muscular System
• Endocrine System • Digestive System
• Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology • Cardiovascular System
• Nervous System • Respiratory System
• Cellular Biology & Histology
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 185
Histology
CORRECT ANSWER
the study of tissues
RATIONALE
Histology is the microscopic study of the structure and organization of biological tissues, focusing on cellular
arrangement and function. This discipline is fundamental to understanding organ systems and pathological changes.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 185
Mitosis and Meiosis
Question illustration
CORRECT ANSWER
Mitosis and meiosis are the ways that cells reproduce. During mitosis, a cell duplicates its DNA and divides into
two identical cells called daughter cells. Meiosis, on the other hand, produces four daughter cells that have only
half of the chromosomes that the parent cell has. Meiosis is the form of cell duplication that produces eggs and
sperm.
RATIONALE
Mitosis produces genetically identical diploid somatic cells for growth and repair, while meiosis generates genetically
diverse haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. This fundamental difference in cell division outcomes is key to
understanding organismal development and inheritance.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 185
Meiosis
CORRECT ANSWER
"special" cell division used to produce gametes (sperm and eggs), each cell produced contains HALF the normal
amount of genetic material
Page 2
, RATIONALE
Meiosis is a specialized cell division process that reduces the chromosome number by half to produce haploid
gametes, ensuring genetic diversity and proper chromosome number upon fertilization. This reductional division is
key to sexual reproduction, creating genetically unique sperm and egg cells.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 185
Mitosis
CORRECT ANSWER
A process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells conventionally divided into five stages: prophase, prometaphase,
metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Mitosis conserves chromosome number by equally allocating replicated
chromosomes to each of the daughter nuclei.
RATIONALE
Mitosis conserves the chromosome number by ensuring equal segregation of replicated sister chromatids into two
daughter nuclei, a process orchestrated through distinct prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase stages. This
mechanism is foundational for asexual reproduction and somatic cell growth.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 185
parts of a cell
CORRECT ANSWER
Cell membrane, cell wall, centriole, chloroplasts, chromatin, cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, flagella, golgi
complex/apparatus, lysosome, mitochondria, nucleolus, nucleus, ribosomes, vacuole
RATIONALE
These are all organelles or structures found within or associated with eukaryotic cells, representing key components
involved in cellular structure, function, and metabolism. The principle tested is the identification of these fundamental
cellular building blocks.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 185
Skin
CORRECT ANSWER
membrane because it covers the body ; organ because it contains several kinds of tissues.
Page 3
, RATIONALE
The skin functions as a protective membrane covering the entire external body and is classified as an organ because it
integrates multiple tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous) to perform specialized functions. This
demonstrates the integumentary system's complexity, integrating various tissues to form a functional organ.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 185
Nervous System
CORRECT ANSWER
Composed of neurons (cell, axon, dendrite), central nervous system (brain, spinal cord), peripheral nervous
system (nerves of the body). Recieves, interpretes and transmits impulses and responses. Responsible for sight,
smell, taste, touch, hearing (five senses), heart rate, breathing, speech, movement
RATIONALE
The nervous system's function relies on specialized cells called neurons that transmit electrochemical impulses,
allowing for sensory reception, integration, and motor output coordinated by the central and peripheral divisions. This
intricate network governs all physiological processes, from basic autonomic functions to complex cognitive and
motor activities.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 185
Dermis
Page 4