1|Page
Anatomy and Physiology 2nd Edition (OpenStax)
–Test Bank 2026 | Verified Answers with
Rationales pdf
Chapter 1: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Question 1
Anatomy is best defined as the study of:
A. Chemical processes of the body
B. Structure and relationships among body parts
C. Function of cells and tissues
D. Homeostatic regulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anatomy focuses on body structures and how they relate to one
another, whereas physiology focuses on function.
Question 2
Which level of organization represents the smallest living unit of the body?
A. Tissue
B. Organelle
C. Cell
D. Molecule
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cells are the smallest units capable of carrying out all vital life
functions.
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Question 3
Physiology primarily examines:
A. Structural relationships
B. Body cavities
C. How body parts function
D. Anatomical landmarks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Physiology studies the mechanisms and processes that allow
structures to perform their functions.
Question 4
Which level of organization is composed of similar cells performing a common
function?
A. Organ
B. Tissue
C. Organ system
D. Cellular
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a
specific function.
Question 5
Which of the following is an example of negative feedback?
A. Blood clotting
B. Childbirth
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C. Regulation of blood glucose levels
D. Lactation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Negative feedback counteracts changes to maintain homeostasis,
such as insulin lowering high blood glucose.
Question 6
The term homeostasis refers to:
A. External body balance
B. Maintenance of a stable internal environment
C. Disease resistance
D. Cellular respiration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Homeostasis allows the body to maintain internal stability despite
external changes.
Question 7
Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions?
A. Sagittal
B. Transverse
C. Frontal (coronal)
D. Oblique
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The frontal plane separates the front (anterior) from the back
(posterior).
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Question 8
Which directional term means “toward the midline of the body”?
A. Lateral
B. Proximal
C. Superficial
D. Medial
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Medial refers to structures closer to the body’s midline.
Question 9
The ventral body cavity contains the:
A. Brain and spinal cord
B. Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
C. Cranial cavity only
D. Vertebral cavity only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ventral cavity includes organs within the thoracic and
abdominopelvic regions.
Question 10
Which cavity contains the heart and lungs?
A. Abdominal
B. Pelvic
C. Thoracic
D. Cranial
Anatomy and Physiology 2nd Edition (OpenStax)
–Test Bank 2026 | Verified Answers with
Rationales pdf
Chapter 1: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Question 1
Anatomy is best defined as the study of:
A. Chemical processes of the body
B. Structure and relationships among body parts
C. Function of cells and tissues
D. Homeostatic regulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anatomy focuses on body structures and how they relate to one
another, whereas physiology focuses on function.
Question 2
Which level of organization represents the smallest living unit of the body?
A. Tissue
B. Organelle
C. Cell
D. Molecule
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cells are the smallest units capable of carrying out all vital life
functions.
,2|Page
Question 3
Physiology primarily examines:
A. Structural relationships
B. Body cavities
C. How body parts function
D. Anatomical landmarks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Physiology studies the mechanisms and processes that allow
structures to perform their functions.
Question 4
Which level of organization is composed of similar cells performing a common
function?
A. Organ
B. Tissue
C. Organ system
D. Cellular
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a
specific function.
Question 5
Which of the following is an example of negative feedback?
A. Blood clotting
B. Childbirth
,3|Page
C. Regulation of blood glucose levels
D. Lactation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Negative feedback counteracts changes to maintain homeostasis,
such as insulin lowering high blood glucose.
Question 6
The term homeostasis refers to:
A. External body balance
B. Maintenance of a stable internal environment
C. Disease resistance
D. Cellular respiration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Homeostasis allows the body to maintain internal stability despite
external changes.
Question 7
Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions?
A. Sagittal
B. Transverse
C. Frontal (coronal)
D. Oblique
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The frontal plane separates the front (anterior) from the back
(posterior).
, 4|Page
Question 8
Which directional term means “toward the midline of the body”?
A. Lateral
B. Proximal
C. Superficial
D. Medial
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Medial refers to structures closer to the body’s midline.
Question 9
The ventral body cavity contains the:
A. Brain and spinal cord
B. Thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
C. Cranial cavity only
D. Vertebral cavity only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ventral cavity includes organs within the thoracic and
abdominopelvic regions.
Question 10
Which cavity contains the heart and lungs?
A. Abdominal
B. Pelvic
C. Thoracic
D. Cranial
