Anatomy and Physiology Comprehensive Exam –
100% Verified Questions and Answers | Updated
2025 Practice Test for Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
Certification
Instructions
This practice test includes 80 multiple-choice questions covering human anatomy
and physiology, including all major body systems, for a comprehensive 2025
exam preparation. Each question provides four answer choices, the correct an-
swer, and a detailed rationale. Select the best answer for each question.
Questions
1. What is the primary function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle
cells?
a) To synthesize ATP for muscle contraction
b) To store and release calcium ions
c) To anchor actin filaments
d) To transport oxygen to mitochondria
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The sarcoplasmic reticulum stores and releases calcium ions, which
bind to troponin to initiate muscle contraction by exposing myosin-binding
sites on actin filaments.
2. Which structure in the nephron is primarily responsible for reabsorbing glu-
cose and amino acids?
a) Distal convoluted tubule
b) Proximal convoluted tubule
c) Loop of Henle
d) Collecting duct
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The proximal convoluted tubule reabsorbs most glucose, amino
acids, and ions from the filtrate via active transport, ensuring essential nutri-
ents are returned to the blood.
3. What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?
a) To secrete saliva
b) To close off the trachea
c) To initiate peristalsis
d) To filter air entering the lungs
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that closes off the trachea dur-
ing swallowing, directing food and liquid into the esophagus to prevent aspi-
ration.
1
, 4. Which hormone, secreted by the anterior pituitary, stimulates thyroid hor-
mone production?
a) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
b) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
c) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
d) Growth hormone (GH)
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: TSH, released by the anterior pituitary, stimulates the thyroid
gland to produce and secrete thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), reg-
ulating metabolism.
5. What type of joint allows for the greatest range of motion?
a) Synovial
b) Cartilaginous
c) Fibrous
d) Suture
Correct Answer: a)
Rationale: Synovial joints, such as the ball-and-socket joint of the hip, allow
for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, rotation, and abduc-
tion, due to their fluid-filled cavity and articular cartilage.
6. Which part of the brain regulates heart rate and breathing?
a) Cerebellum
b) Medulla oblongata
c) Hypothalamus
d) Thalamus
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, contains auto-
nomic centers that control vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood
pressure.
7. What is the primary source of energy for cardiac muscle cells?
a) Glucose
b) Fatty acids
c) Amino acids
d) Ketones
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: Cardiac muscle cells primarily use fatty acids as their energy source
via beta-oxidation, providing a steady supply of ATP for continuous contrac-
tion.
8. Which blood vessel layer contains smooth muscle and elastic fibers?
a) Tunica intima
b) Tunica media
c) Tunica externa
d) Tunica adventitia
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The tunica media, the middle layer of blood vessels, contains smooth
muscle and elastic fibers, enabling vasoconstriction, vasodilation, and vessel
2
100% Verified Questions and Answers | Updated
2025 Practice Test for Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
Certification
Instructions
This practice test includes 80 multiple-choice questions covering human anatomy
and physiology, including all major body systems, for a comprehensive 2025
exam preparation. Each question provides four answer choices, the correct an-
swer, and a detailed rationale. Select the best answer for each question.
Questions
1. What is the primary function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle
cells?
a) To synthesize ATP for muscle contraction
b) To store and release calcium ions
c) To anchor actin filaments
d) To transport oxygen to mitochondria
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The sarcoplasmic reticulum stores and releases calcium ions, which
bind to troponin to initiate muscle contraction by exposing myosin-binding
sites on actin filaments.
2. Which structure in the nephron is primarily responsible for reabsorbing glu-
cose and amino acids?
a) Distal convoluted tubule
b) Proximal convoluted tubule
c) Loop of Henle
d) Collecting duct
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The proximal convoluted tubule reabsorbs most glucose, amino
acids, and ions from the filtrate via active transport, ensuring essential nutri-
ents are returned to the blood.
3. What is the role of the epiglottis during swallowing?
a) To secrete saliva
b) To close off the trachea
c) To initiate peristalsis
d) To filter air entering the lungs
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that closes off the trachea dur-
ing swallowing, directing food and liquid into the esophagus to prevent aspi-
ration.
1
, 4. Which hormone, secreted by the anterior pituitary, stimulates thyroid hor-
mone production?
a) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
b) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
c) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
d) Growth hormone (GH)
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: TSH, released by the anterior pituitary, stimulates the thyroid
gland to produce and secrete thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), reg-
ulating metabolism.
5. What type of joint allows for the greatest range of motion?
a) Synovial
b) Cartilaginous
c) Fibrous
d) Suture
Correct Answer: a)
Rationale: Synovial joints, such as the ball-and-socket joint of the hip, allow
for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, rotation, and abduc-
tion, due to their fluid-filled cavity and articular cartilage.
6. Which part of the brain regulates heart rate and breathing?
a) Cerebellum
b) Medulla oblongata
c) Hypothalamus
d) Thalamus
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, contains auto-
nomic centers that control vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood
pressure.
7. What is the primary source of energy for cardiac muscle cells?
a) Glucose
b) Fatty acids
c) Amino acids
d) Ketones
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: Cardiac muscle cells primarily use fatty acids as their energy source
via beta-oxidation, providing a steady supply of ATP for continuous contrac-
tion.
8. Which blood vessel layer contains smooth muscle and elastic fibers?
a) Tunica intima
b) Tunica media
c) Tunica externa
d) Tunica adventitia
Correct Answer: b)
Rationale: The tunica media, the middle layer of blood vessels, contains smooth
muscle and elastic fibers, enabling vasoconstriction, vasodilation, and vessel
2
