WGU - D313 - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 2 PRACTICE TEST EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
Endocrine System Regulation and Hormonal Control
Cardiovascular Physiology and Hemodynamics
Lymphatic System and Immunological Defense
Respiratory Mechanics and Gas Exchange
Digestive System Function and Nutrient Absorption
Urinary System and Fluid/Electrolyte Balance
Reproductive Physiology and Development
Acid-Base Homeostasis
*Introduction*
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate student competency regarding the physiological systems
covered in Anatomy and Physiology II. This assessment measures understanding of complex regulatory
,mechanisms, homeostatic balance, and the integration of organ systems within the human body. The
exam utilizes a comprehensive mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both
foundational knowledge and the application of physiological principles. Emphasis is placed on clinical
decision-making, systemic interaction, and the ability to analyze patient outcomes. Successful completion
requires a deep understanding of functional anatomy, biochemical processes, and the maintenance of
internal equilibrium under varying conditions.
SECTION ONE
Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing blood calcium levels by stimulating
osteoclasts?
A. Calcitonin
B. Thyroid hormone
C. Parathyroid hormone
D. Aldosterone
🟢 C. Parathyroid hormone
🔴 RATIONALE: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released in response to low blood calcium levels
and increases calcium by stimulating osteoclast activity in bone.
A patient presents with hypotension and hyperkalemia. Which hormone deficiency is most likely
responsible?
A. Cortisol
B. Aldosterone
C. Epinephrine
D. Glucagon
,🟢 B. Aldosterone
🔴 RATIONALE: Aldosterone promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion; its absence
leads to sodium loss (hypotension) and potassium retention (hyperkalemia).
Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium?
A. Pulmonary artery
B. Pulmonary vein
C. Superior vena cava
D. Aorta
🟢 B. Pulmonary vein
🔴 RATIONALE: The pulmonary veins are the only veins in the adult body that carry oxygenated
blood, returning it from the lungs to the left atrium.
What is the primary function of the SA node in the heart?
A. To delay the impulse to the ventricles
B. To act as the natural pacemaker
C. To contract the papillary muscles
D. To repolarize the atria
🟢 B. To act as the natural pacemaker
🔴 RATIONALE: The Sinoatrial (SA) node initiates the electrical impulse that sets the heart rate,
serving as the primary pacemaker of the heart.
Which immunoglobulin is the most abundant in the blood and is the only one to cross the placenta?
A. IgA
B. IgE
C. IgM
D. IgG
🟢 D. IgG
, 🔴 RATIONALE: IgG is the most prevalent antibody in circulation and provides passive immunity to
the fetus by crossing the placental barrier.
What is the partial pressure of oxygen in the systemic arteries?
A. 40 mmHg
B. 46 mmHg
C. 100 mmHg
D. 160 mmHg
🟢 C. 100 mmHg
🔴 RATIONALE: Systemic arterial blood typically has an oxygen partial pressure of approximately
100 mmHg to ensure adequate diffusion into tissues.
Which enzyme is responsible for the digestion of starches in the oral cavity?
A. Pepsin
B. Salivary amylase
C. Lipase
D. Trypsin
🟢 B. Salivary amylase
🔴 RATIONALE: Salivary amylase begins the chemical breakdown of complex carbohydrates into
smaller sugar molecules while food is in the mouth.
Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur in the digestive tract?
A. Stomach
B. Duodenum
C. Jejunum
D. Large intestine
🟢 C. Jejunum
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
Endocrine System Regulation and Hormonal Control
Cardiovascular Physiology and Hemodynamics
Lymphatic System and Immunological Defense
Respiratory Mechanics and Gas Exchange
Digestive System Function and Nutrient Absorption
Urinary System and Fluid/Electrolyte Balance
Reproductive Physiology and Development
Acid-Base Homeostasis
*Introduction*
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate student competency regarding the physiological systems
covered in Anatomy and Physiology II. This assessment measures understanding of complex regulatory
,mechanisms, homeostatic balance, and the integration of organ systems within the human body. The
exam utilizes a comprehensive mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both
foundational knowledge and the application of physiological principles. Emphasis is placed on clinical
decision-making, systemic interaction, and the ability to analyze patient outcomes. Successful completion
requires a deep understanding of functional anatomy, biochemical processes, and the maintenance of
internal equilibrium under varying conditions.
SECTION ONE
Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing blood calcium levels by stimulating
osteoclasts?
A. Calcitonin
B. Thyroid hormone
C. Parathyroid hormone
D. Aldosterone
🟢 C. Parathyroid hormone
🔴 RATIONALE: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released in response to low blood calcium levels
and increases calcium by stimulating osteoclast activity in bone.
A patient presents with hypotension and hyperkalemia. Which hormone deficiency is most likely
responsible?
A. Cortisol
B. Aldosterone
C. Epinephrine
D. Glucagon
,🟢 B. Aldosterone
🔴 RATIONALE: Aldosterone promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion; its absence
leads to sodium loss (hypotension) and potassium retention (hyperkalemia).
Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium?
A. Pulmonary artery
B. Pulmonary vein
C. Superior vena cava
D. Aorta
🟢 B. Pulmonary vein
🔴 RATIONALE: The pulmonary veins are the only veins in the adult body that carry oxygenated
blood, returning it from the lungs to the left atrium.
What is the primary function of the SA node in the heart?
A. To delay the impulse to the ventricles
B. To act as the natural pacemaker
C. To contract the papillary muscles
D. To repolarize the atria
🟢 B. To act as the natural pacemaker
🔴 RATIONALE: The Sinoatrial (SA) node initiates the electrical impulse that sets the heart rate,
serving as the primary pacemaker of the heart.
Which immunoglobulin is the most abundant in the blood and is the only one to cross the placenta?
A. IgA
B. IgE
C. IgM
D. IgG
🟢 D. IgG
, 🔴 RATIONALE: IgG is the most prevalent antibody in circulation and provides passive immunity to
the fetus by crossing the placental barrier.
What is the partial pressure of oxygen in the systemic arteries?
A. 40 mmHg
B. 46 mmHg
C. 100 mmHg
D. 160 mmHg
🟢 C. 100 mmHg
🔴 RATIONALE: Systemic arterial blood typically has an oxygen partial pressure of approximately
100 mmHg to ensure adequate diffusion into tissues.
Which enzyme is responsible for the digestion of starches in the oral cavity?
A. Pepsin
B. Salivary amylase
C. Lipase
D. Trypsin
🟢 B. Salivary amylase
🔴 RATIONALE: Salivary amylase begins the chemical breakdown of complex carbohydrates into
smaller sugar molecules while food is in the mouth.
Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur in the digestive tract?
A. Stomach
B. Duodenum
C. Jejunum
D. Large intestine
🟢 C. Jejunum
