HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Exam Prep
2025–2026 | 200+ Verified Application
Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Complete HESI Admission
Assessment Test Bank & Study Guide for Nursing
School Entrance
Question 1
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
A) To circulate blood
B) To exchange gases
C) To digest food
D) To regulate body temperature
Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of
gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the body and the environment.
Question 2
Which of the following structures is responsible for the production of insulin?
A) Liver
B) Pancreas
C) Kidney
D) Stomach
Rationale: The pancreas produces insulin, which helps regulate blood glucose levels.
Question 3
What is the basic functional unit of the kidney?
A) Neuron
B) Nephron
C) Alveolus
D) Glomerulus
Rationale: The nephron is the basic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering
blood and producing urine.
Question 4
Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating breathing and heart rate?
A) Cerebrum
B) Medulla oblongata
,C) Cerebellum
D) Thalamus
Rationale: The medulla oblongata controls autonomic functions such as breathing and
heart rate.
Question 5
What type of joint allows for the greatest range of motion?
A) Hinge joint
B) Ball and socket joint
C) Pivot joint
D) Saddle joint
Rationale: Ball and socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, allow for a wide
range of motion in multiple directions.
Question 6
Which of the following is the primary energy source for cellular metabolism?
A) Protein
B) Glucose
C) Fat
D) Nucleic acids
Rationale: Glucose is the primary energy source for cellular metabolism, providing fuel
for cellular processes.
Question 7
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
A) To fight infection
B) To transport oxygen
C) To regulate body temperature
D) To clot blood
Rationale: Red blood cells (erythrocytes) primarily function to transport oxygen from
the lungs to the body's tissues.
Question 8
Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?
A) Axon
B) Dendrites
,C) Myelin sheath
D) Synapse
Rationale: Dendrites are the part of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.
Question 9
Which of the following hormones is produced by the adrenal glands?
A) Insulin
B) Cortisol
C) Estrogen
D) Testosterone
Rationale: Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a role in
metabolism and stress response.
Question 10
What is the primary function of the large intestine?
A) Nutrient absorption
B) Water reabsorption and waste elimination
C) Digestion of proteins
D) Production of bile
Rationale: The large intestine primarily functions to reabsorb water and electrolytes
and eliminate waste.
Question 11
Which structure in the heart prevents backflow of blood?
A) Aorta
B) Valves
C) Septum
D) Arteries
Rationale: Valves in the heart prevent the backflow of blood and ensure it flows in one
direction.
Question 12
What is the primary function of the integumentary system?
A) To regulate body temperature
B) To protect underlying tissues
, C) Both A and B
D) To produce hormones
Rationale: The integumentary system protects underlying tissues and helps regulate
body temperature.
Question 13
Which of the following is the functional unit of the liver?
A) Nephron
B) Alveolus
C) Hepatocyte
D) Osteocyte
Rationale: Hepatocytes are the functional cells of the liver responsible for metabolic
processes.
Question 14
What type of muscle is involuntary and found in the walls of internal organs?
A) Skeletal muscle
B) Smooth muscle
C) Cardiac muscle
D) Striated muscle
Rationale: Smooth muscle is involuntary and is found in the walls of internal organs.
Question 15
Which of the following best describes the role of the diaphragm?
A) To circulate blood
B) To aid in breathing
C) To digest food
D) To protect the heart
Rationale: The diaphragm is a muscle that aids in breathing by contracting and
expanding the thoracic cavity.
Question 16
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
A) To transport oxygen
B) To circulate blood
2025–2026 | 200+ Verified Application
Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Complete HESI Admission
Assessment Test Bank & Study Guide for Nursing
School Entrance
Question 1
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
A) To circulate blood
B) To exchange gases
C) To digest food
D) To regulate body temperature
Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of
gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the body and the environment.
Question 2
Which of the following structures is responsible for the production of insulin?
A) Liver
B) Pancreas
C) Kidney
D) Stomach
Rationale: The pancreas produces insulin, which helps regulate blood glucose levels.
Question 3
What is the basic functional unit of the kidney?
A) Neuron
B) Nephron
C) Alveolus
D) Glomerulus
Rationale: The nephron is the basic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering
blood and producing urine.
Question 4
Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating breathing and heart rate?
A) Cerebrum
B) Medulla oblongata
,C) Cerebellum
D) Thalamus
Rationale: The medulla oblongata controls autonomic functions such as breathing and
heart rate.
Question 5
What type of joint allows for the greatest range of motion?
A) Hinge joint
B) Ball and socket joint
C) Pivot joint
D) Saddle joint
Rationale: Ball and socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, allow for a wide
range of motion in multiple directions.
Question 6
Which of the following is the primary energy source for cellular metabolism?
A) Protein
B) Glucose
C) Fat
D) Nucleic acids
Rationale: Glucose is the primary energy source for cellular metabolism, providing fuel
for cellular processes.
Question 7
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
A) To fight infection
B) To transport oxygen
C) To regulate body temperature
D) To clot blood
Rationale: Red blood cells (erythrocytes) primarily function to transport oxygen from
the lungs to the body's tissues.
Question 8
Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?
A) Axon
B) Dendrites
,C) Myelin sheath
D) Synapse
Rationale: Dendrites are the part of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.
Question 9
Which of the following hormones is produced by the adrenal glands?
A) Insulin
B) Cortisol
C) Estrogen
D) Testosterone
Rationale: Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a role in
metabolism and stress response.
Question 10
What is the primary function of the large intestine?
A) Nutrient absorption
B) Water reabsorption and waste elimination
C) Digestion of proteins
D) Production of bile
Rationale: The large intestine primarily functions to reabsorb water and electrolytes
and eliminate waste.
Question 11
Which structure in the heart prevents backflow of blood?
A) Aorta
B) Valves
C) Septum
D) Arteries
Rationale: Valves in the heart prevent the backflow of blood and ensure it flows in one
direction.
Question 12
What is the primary function of the integumentary system?
A) To regulate body temperature
B) To protect underlying tissues
, C) Both A and B
D) To produce hormones
Rationale: The integumentary system protects underlying tissues and helps regulate
body temperature.
Question 13
Which of the following is the functional unit of the liver?
A) Nephron
B) Alveolus
C) Hepatocyte
D) Osteocyte
Rationale: Hepatocytes are the functional cells of the liver responsible for metabolic
processes.
Question 14
What type of muscle is involuntary and found in the walls of internal organs?
A) Skeletal muscle
B) Smooth muscle
C) Cardiac muscle
D) Striated muscle
Rationale: Smooth muscle is involuntary and is found in the walls of internal organs.
Question 15
Which of the following best describes the role of the diaphragm?
A) To circulate blood
B) To aid in breathing
C) To digest food
D) To protect the heart
Rationale: The diaphragm is a muscle that aids in breathing by contracting and
expanding the thoracic cavity.
Question 16
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
A) To transport oxygen
B) To circulate blood
