,BIO 1100 Exam 1 Human Anatomy &
Physiology I Theory Galen College of Nursing
Exam Prep, Q&A & Study Guide 2026/2027
Edition
1. A nursing instructor asks students to describe the relationship between anatomy and
physiology. Which student statement best reflects the principle of complementarity of structure
and function?
A. Anatomy and physiology are independent disciplines with no direct relationship.
B. Physiology can be understood without knowledge of anatomical structure.
C. The structure of a body part directly determines its function, and function influences the
shape of the structure.
D. Anatomy focuses only on microscopic structures while physiology deals exclusively with
organ systems.
Correct Answer: C. The structure of a body part directly determines its function, and function
influences the shape of the structure.
Rationale: The principle of complementarity states that structure and function are inseparable;
the form of a body part reflects what it does, and its function shapes its anatomy. For example,
the thin, flat shape of alveoli maximizes gas exchange surface area.
2. Which of the following best defines biology?
A. The study of chemical reactions in non-living systems.
,B. The study of life and living organisms.
C. The study of the physical structure of Earth.
D. The study of matter and its motion through space.
Correct Answer: B. The study of life and living organisms.
Rationale: Biology is the scientific study of life, encompassing the structure, function, growth,
evolution, and distribution of living organisms. The other options describe chemistry, geology,
and physics, respectively.
3. What is an organism?
A. Any non-living collection of molecules.
B. An individual living thing that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and maintain
homeostasis.
C. A group of cells that perform a specific function.
D. A single atom with unique properties.
Correct Answer: B. An individual living thing that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and
maintain homeostasis.
Rationale: An organism is a living entity that exhibits all characteristics of life, including
responsiveness, reproduction, growth, and homeostasis. Viruses are sometimes debated as
organisms because they cannot reproduce independently.
4. Which of the following are characteristics of all living things?
, A. Cellular organization, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, energy use, homeostasis, and
evolutionary adaptation.
B. Cellular organization, absence of genetic material, and inability to adapt.
C. Sensitivity, growth, and reproduction only.
D. Homeostasis, energy use, and movement only.
Correct Answer: A. Cellular organization, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, energy use,
homeostasis, and evolutionary adaptation.
Rationale: All living organisms share several key characteristics: cellular organization, ordered
complexity, sensitivity to the environment, growth and development, reproduction, energy use,
homeostasis, and evolutionary adaptation.
5. A potential new organism has been discovered. Which observation would be the most
conclusive in confirming it is a life form?
A. It moves in response to light.
B. It is composed of cells.
C. It consumes nutrients from its surroundings.
D. It releases waste products.
Correct Answer: B. It is composed of cells.
Rationale: All living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic structural and
functional units of life. While movement, nutrient consumption, and waste release are
characteristics of life, cellular organization is the most definitive criterion.
6. Which branch of science focuses on the study of the body's structural organization without
considering function?
Physiology I Theory Galen College of Nursing
Exam Prep, Q&A & Study Guide 2026/2027
Edition
1. A nursing instructor asks students to describe the relationship between anatomy and
physiology. Which student statement best reflects the principle of complementarity of structure
and function?
A. Anatomy and physiology are independent disciplines with no direct relationship.
B. Physiology can be understood without knowledge of anatomical structure.
C. The structure of a body part directly determines its function, and function influences the
shape of the structure.
D. Anatomy focuses only on microscopic structures while physiology deals exclusively with
organ systems.
Correct Answer: C. The structure of a body part directly determines its function, and function
influences the shape of the structure.
Rationale: The principle of complementarity states that structure and function are inseparable;
the form of a body part reflects what it does, and its function shapes its anatomy. For example,
the thin, flat shape of alveoli maximizes gas exchange surface area.
2. Which of the following best defines biology?
A. The study of chemical reactions in non-living systems.
,B. The study of life and living organisms.
C. The study of the physical structure of Earth.
D. The study of matter and its motion through space.
Correct Answer: B. The study of life and living organisms.
Rationale: Biology is the scientific study of life, encompassing the structure, function, growth,
evolution, and distribution of living organisms. The other options describe chemistry, geology,
and physics, respectively.
3. What is an organism?
A. Any non-living collection of molecules.
B. An individual living thing that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and maintain
homeostasis.
C. A group of cells that perform a specific function.
D. A single atom with unique properties.
Correct Answer: B. An individual living thing that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and
maintain homeostasis.
Rationale: An organism is a living entity that exhibits all characteristics of life, including
responsiveness, reproduction, growth, and homeostasis. Viruses are sometimes debated as
organisms because they cannot reproduce independently.
4. Which of the following are characteristics of all living things?
, A. Cellular organization, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, energy use, homeostasis, and
evolutionary adaptation.
B. Cellular organization, absence of genetic material, and inability to adapt.
C. Sensitivity, growth, and reproduction only.
D. Homeostasis, energy use, and movement only.
Correct Answer: A. Cellular organization, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, energy use,
homeostasis, and evolutionary adaptation.
Rationale: All living organisms share several key characteristics: cellular organization, ordered
complexity, sensitivity to the environment, growth and development, reproduction, energy use,
homeostasis, and evolutionary adaptation.
5. A potential new organism has been discovered. Which observation would be the most
conclusive in confirming it is a life form?
A. It moves in response to light.
B. It is composed of cells.
C. It consumes nutrients from its surroundings.
D. It releases waste products.
Correct Answer: B. It is composed of cells.
Rationale: All living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic structural and
functional units of life. While movement, nutrient consumption, and waste release are
characteristics of life, cellular organization is the most definitive criterion.
6. Which branch of science focuses on the study of the body's structural organization without
considering function?
