HESI A2 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026-2027 | CO… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI A2 Anatomy &
Physiology Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
Comprehensive Review
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
200 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document provides 200 anatomy and physiology questions with pre-filled
correct answers and detailed rationales, making it an invaluable resource for understanding
foundational biological concepts. It is suitable for in-depth study, thorough review, and targeted
preparation for certification exams. The inclusion of diagrams further enhances the learning
experience.
CONTENTS
• Introduction to Tissues • Integumentary System
• Skeletal System Overview • Axial Skeleton
• Appendicular Skeleton • Muscular System
• Nervous System • Endocrine System
• Cardiovascular System • Respiratory System
Page 1
, • Digestive System • Urinary System
• Reproductive System
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 200
What is histology?
CORRECT ANSWER
The study of tissues
RATIONALE
Histology is defined as the microscopic study of the structure and organization of biological tissues. This field
examines cells and their arrangement within tissues to understand their function and relationships.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 200
What is a tissue?
CORRECT ANSWER
A group of cells that act together to perform a specific function.
RATIONALE
A tissue represents a collection of specialized cells, organized to collaboratively execute a defined physiological
role, which is the core principle of histological organization. This cooperative cellular arrangement enables
complex biological functions that individual cells cannot achieve alone.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 200
What are the fundamental tissues?
CORRECT ANSWER
Epithelial
Connective
Muscle
Nerve
(Elephants Can Make News)
Page 2
, RATIONALE
The four fundamental tissue types—epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous—are the basic building blocks
from which all organs and organ systems are constructed. These distinct tissue categories perform specialized
functions that collectively enable the organism to survive and interact with its environment.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 200
What is the function of epithelial cells?
CORRECT ANSWER
Cover, line, and protect the body and the internal organs.
RATIONALE
Epithelial cells form continuous sheets that cover external surfaces, line internal cavities, and form glands,
serving protective, absorptive, and secretory functions. This arrangement creates barriers and regulates
passage of substances, embodying the key concept of epithelial tissue as a protective and functional lining.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 200
What is the function of connective tissue?
CORRECT ANSWER
Framework of the body. Provides support and structure to organs.
RATIONALE
Connective tissue serves as the body's structural framework, providing essential support and organization for
organs and tissues through its diverse extracellular matrix. This role ensures the integrity and stability of bodily
structures.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 200
What is neuroglia?
CORRECT ANSWER
The neurons and connective tissue cells that compose nerve tissue.
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Neuroglia, or glial cells, are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide structural support, insulation,
and nourishment to neurons, playing a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and facilitating neural
transmission. This question assesses the understanding of glial cells as integral components of nervous tissue
alongside neurons.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 200
What ability does muscle tissue have?
CORRECT ANSWER
Ability to contract and shorten.
RATIONALE
Muscle tissue's defining characteristic is its contractility, the capacity to generate force and shorten, enabling
movement. This inherent property is achieved through the interaction of actin and myosin filaments within
muscle cells.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 200
What is muscle tissue classified as?
CORRECT ANSWER
Voluntary(skeletal muscles) and involuntary(smooth & cardiac)
RATIONALE
Muscle tissue is broadly categorized by its control mechanism and structure: voluntary skeletal muscle
contracts consciously, while involuntary smooth and cardiac muscles operate autonomously. This classification
hinges on the presence or absence of striations and the nervous system's control over contraction.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 200
What is meiosis?
CORRECT ANSWER
The cell division that takes place in the gonads, i.e. the ovaries and testes.
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
HESI A2 Anatomy &
Physiology Questions &
Answers 2026-2027 |
Comprehensive Review
(Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
200 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document provides 200 anatomy and physiology questions with pre-filled
correct answers and detailed rationales, making it an invaluable resource for understanding
foundational biological concepts. It is suitable for in-depth study, thorough review, and targeted
preparation for certification exams. The inclusion of diagrams further enhances the learning
experience.
CONTENTS
• Introduction to Tissues • Integumentary System
• Skeletal System Overview • Axial Skeleton
• Appendicular Skeleton • Muscular System
• Nervous System • Endocrine System
• Cardiovascular System • Respiratory System
Page 1
, • Digestive System • Urinary System
• Reproductive System
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 200
What is histology?
CORRECT ANSWER
The study of tissues
RATIONALE
Histology is defined as the microscopic study of the structure and organization of biological tissues. This field
examines cells and their arrangement within tissues to understand their function and relationships.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 200
What is a tissue?
CORRECT ANSWER
A group of cells that act together to perform a specific function.
RATIONALE
A tissue represents a collection of specialized cells, organized to collaboratively execute a defined physiological
role, which is the core principle of histological organization. This cooperative cellular arrangement enables
complex biological functions that individual cells cannot achieve alone.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 200
What are the fundamental tissues?
CORRECT ANSWER
Epithelial
Connective
Muscle
Nerve
(Elephants Can Make News)
Page 2
, RATIONALE
The four fundamental tissue types—epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous—are the basic building blocks
from which all organs and organ systems are constructed. These distinct tissue categories perform specialized
functions that collectively enable the organism to survive and interact with its environment.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 200
What is the function of epithelial cells?
CORRECT ANSWER
Cover, line, and protect the body and the internal organs.
RATIONALE
Epithelial cells form continuous sheets that cover external surfaces, line internal cavities, and form glands,
serving protective, absorptive, and secretory functions. This arrangement creates barriers and regulates
passage of substances, embodying the key concept of epithelial tissue as a protective and functional lining.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 200
What is the function of connective tissue?
CORRECT ANSWER
Framework of the body. Provides support and structure to organs.
RATIONALE
Connective tissue serves as the body's structural framework, providing essential support and organization for
organs and tissues through its diverse extracellular matrix. This role ensures the integrity and stability of bodily
structures.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 200
What is neuroglia?
CORRECT ANSWER
The neurons and connective tissue cells that compose nerve tissue.
Page 3
, RATIONALE
Neuroglia, or glial cells, are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide structural support, insulation,
and nourishment to neurons, playing a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and facilitating neural
transmission. This question assesses the understanding of glial cells as integral components of nervous tissue
alongside neurons.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 200
What ability does muscle tissue have?
CORRECT ANSWER
Ability to contract and shorten.
RATIONALE
Muscle tissue's defining characteristic is its contractility, the capacity to generate force and shorten, enabling
movement. This inherent property is achieved through the interaction of actin and myosin filaments within
muscle cells.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 200
What is muscle tissue classified as?
CORRECT ANSWER
Voluntary(skeletal muscles) and involuntary(smooth & cardiac)
RATIONALE
Muscle tissue is broadly categorized by its control mechanism and structure: voluntary skeletal muscle
contracts consciously, while involuntary smooth and cardiac muscles operate autonomously. This classification
hinges on the presence or absence of striations and the nervous system's control over contraction.
Q9 QUESTION 9 OF 200
What is meiosis?
CORRECT ANSWER
The cell division that takes place in the gonads, i.e. the ovaries and testes.
Page 4
