Comprehensive Test Bank for Marieb Human Anatomy &
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter/Section: Chapter 1, Section 1.1
An Overview of Anatomy & Physiology
Subtopic: Complementarity of Structure & Function
Cognitive level: Recall
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: Which statement best expresses the principle of
complementarity of structure and function? (≤70 words)
A. Structure and function are unrelated in living systems.
B. Structure determines function; form enables specific
activities.
C. Function determines structure; organs adapt their shape to
tasks.
D. Structure and function are identical concepts.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct — 3–4 sentences):
The principle states that what a structure can do depends on its
specific form — e.g., incisors cut, molars grind; anatomy
explains why a structure performs a function. This is the core
unifying concept in Chapter 1 (see Fig. 1.1 and text). Pearson
Why A is wrong (2 sentences):
A denies the textbook principle; Marieb emphasizes they are
,inseparable. Assuming no relationship contradicts fundamental
A&P concepts.
Why C is wrong (2 sentences):
Function does not primarily determine form in the immediate
sense; rather, evolutionary/ developmental processes shape
form to enable function — the book emphasizes the converse
wording. It misstates the canonical phrase.
Why D is wrong (2 sentences):
Structure and function are related but distinct; they are not
identical terms. Marieb uses both terms to explain anatomy
(form) and physiology (function). Pearson
Teaching point: Structure (anatomy) enables and constrains
function (physiology).
A&P002
Chapter 1 — 1.1 Studying Anatomy. Section: Studying Anatomy
(pp. 33–34).
Subtopic: Methods to study anatomy
(observation/palpation/auscultation)
Cognitive level: Application
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: A nursing student examining a living patient for pulses
and breath sounds is primarily using which anatomical study
tool? (≤70 words)
,A. Manipulation
B. Auscultation and palpation
C. Dissection
D. Histology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct — 3–4 sentences):
Studying anatomy in living persons uses palpation (feeling
pulses) and auscultation (listening to sounds); Marieb lists these
as essential tools for clinical anatomy. These noninvasive
techniques contrast with dissection and histology used in
preserved specimens. Pearson
Why A is wrong (2 sentences):
Manipulation implies moving a joint or organ for study
(laboratory demonstration) but doesn’t capture listening for
sounds. It’s a partial match but not the best answer.
Why C is wrong (2 sentences):
Dissection is used in gross anatomy on preserved bodies, not
bedside pulse/breath assessment. It is invasive and not
appropriate for a living patient exam.
Why D is wrong (2 sentences):
Histology studies tissues microscopically after staining —
unrelated to bedside palpation and auscultation. It’s a
microscopic, not clinical, method. Pearson
Teaching point: Bedside anatomy uses palpation and
auscultation to relate surface findings to internal structures.
, A&P003
Chapter 1 — 1.2 Levels of Structural Organization. Fig. 1.2, p.
35.
Subtopic: Levels of organization (chemical → organismal)
Cognitive level: Recall
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: Which sequence lists levels of structural organization
from smallest (most simple) to largest (most complex)? (≤70
words)
A. Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism
B. Organ → Cell → Tissue → Organ system → Organism
C. Molecule → Atom → Organelle → Cell → Tissue
D. Tissue → Organ → Cell → Organ system → Organism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale (correct — 3–4 sentences):
Marieb presents the hierarchy: chemical (atoms/molecules) →
organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems →
organism. Option A correctly orders the mid–to–upper
hierarchy (cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism)
shown in Fig. 1.2. Pearson
Why B is wrong (2 sentences):
B misorders organ before cell and tissue — biologically
incorrect. Organs are built from tissues, which in turn are built
from cells.
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter/Section: Chapter 1, Section 1.1
An Overview of Anatomy & Physiology
Subtopic: Complementarity of Structure & Function
Cognitive level: Recall
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: Which statement best expresses the principle of
complementarity of structure and function? (≤70 words)
A. Structure and function are unrelated in living systems.
B. Structure determines function; form enables specific
activities.
C. Function determines structure; organs adapt their shape to
tasks.
D. Structure and function are identical concepts.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct — 3–4 sentences):
The principle states that what a structure can do depends on its
specific form — e.g., incisors cut, molars grind; anatomy
explains why a structure performs a function. This is the core
unifying concept in Chapter 1 (see Fig. 1.1 and text). Pearson
Why A is wrong (2 sentences):
A denies the textbook principle; Marieb emphasizes they are
,inseparable. Assuming no relationship contradicts fundamental
A&P concepts.
Why C is wrong (2 sentences):
Function does not primarily determine form in the immediate
sense; rather, evolutionary/ developmental processes shape
form to enable function — the book emphasizes the converse
wording. It misstates the canonical phrase.
Why D is wrong (2 sentences):
Structure and function are related but distinct; they are not
identical terms. Marieb uses both terms to explain anatomy
(form) and physiology (function). Pearson
Teaching point: Structure (anatomy) enables and constrains
function (physiology).
A&P002
Chapter 1 — 1.1 Studying Anatomy. Section: Studying Anatomy
(pp. 33–34).
Subtopic: Methods to study anatomy
(observation/palpation/auscultation)
Cognitive level: Application
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: A nursing student examining a living patient for pulses
and breath sounds is primarily using which anatomical study
tool? (≤70 words)
,A. Manipulation
B. Auscultation and palpation
C. Dissection
D. Histology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct — 3–4 sentences):
Studying anatomy in living persons uses palpation (feeling
pulses) and auscultation (listening to sounds); Marieb lists these
as essential tools for clinical anatomy. These noninvasive
techniques contrast with dissection and histology used in
preserved specimens. Pearson
Why A is wrong (2 sentences):
Manipulation implies moving a joint or organ for study
(laboratory demonstration) but doesn’t capture listening for
sounds. It’s a partial match but not the best answer.
Why C is wrong (2 sentences):
Dissection is used in gross anatomy on preserved bodies, not
bedside pulse/breath assessment. It is invasive and not
appropriate for a living patient exam.
Why D is wrong (2 sentences):
Histology studies tissues microscopically after staining —
unrelated to bedside palpation and auscultation. It’s a
microscopic, not clinical, method. Pearson
Teaching point: Bedside anatomy uses palpation and
auscultation to relate surface findings to internal structures.
, A&P003
Chapter 1 — 1.2 Levels of Structural Organization. Fig. 1.2, p.
35.
Subtopic: Levels of organization (chemical → organismal)
Cognitive level: Recall
Difficulty: Easy
Stem: Which sequence lists levels of structural organization
from smallest (most simple) to largest (most complex)? (≤70
words)
A. Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism
B. Organ → Cell → Tissue → Organ system → Organism
C. Molecule → Atom → Organelle → Cell → Tissue
D. Tissue → Organ → Cell → Organ system → Organism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale (correct — 3–4 sentences):
Marieb presents the hierarchy: chemical (atoms/molecules) →
organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems →
organism. Option A correctly orders the mid–to–upper
hierarchy (cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism)
shown in Fig. 1.2. Pearson
Why B is wrong (2 sentences):
B misorders organ before cell and tissue — biologically
incorrect. Organs are built from tissues, which in turn are built
from cells.
