,Comprehensive Test Bank for Marieb Human Anatomy &
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Stem: Which phrase best expresses the principle of
complementarity of structure and function? (≤50 words)
A. Function creates structure.
B. Structure and function are independent.
C. Form determines function.
D. Physiology replaces anatomy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale (correct): The complementarity principle is explicitly
stated as “form determines function” — anatomical structures
are suited to their physiological roles (Marieb & Hoehn, Ch.1,
Sec.1.1).
Incorrect answers:
A — Reverses the relationship; function does not create basic
anatomical form.
B — Incorrect; structure and function are interdependent per
the textbook.
D — Incorrect; physiology complements, not replaces, anatomy.
Teaching Point: Anatomy and physiology are complementary:
structure enables function.
,Stem: Which sequence correctly orders the levels of structural
organization from simplest to most complex?
A. Cell → Tissue → Organ → Molecule → Organ System →
Organism
B. Atom → Molecule → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System
→ Organism
C. Molecule → Atom → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organism →
Organ System
D. Tissue → Cell → Molecule → Atom → Organ → Organ System
→ Organism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Marieb lists the levels from chemical
(atoms, molecules) up through cells, tissues, organs, organ
systems, to organism level (Ch.1, Sec.1.2).
Incorrect answers:
A — Misplaces molecule after cell; molecule/atom belong to
the chemical level.
C — Atom cannot follow molecule; the order is reversed.
D — Reverses lower-level order (tissue before cell is incorrect).
Teaching Point: Structural organization builds from atoms to the
complete organism.
Stem: A post-op patient develops interstitial edema at the
surgical site. Which level of organization is primarily affected?
A. Cellular
B. Tissue
, C. Organ
D. Organ system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the
interstitial spaces between cells — a tissue-level problem (Ch.1,
Sec.1.2). Clinically, nurses assess tissue swelling and monitor for
related complications (NIH/MedlinePlus: edema overview).
Incorrect answers:
A — Cellular problems may contribute, but edema manifests
between cells (interstitium).
C — An organ may show swelling, but edema first occurs in
tissues.
D — Organ system implies multiple organs; edema is localized
at tissue level.
Teaching Point: Edema primarily involves tissue compartments
(interstitial spaces).
Stem: Which statement correctly distinguishes anatomy from
physiology?
A. Anatomy studies function; physiology studies structure.
B. Anatomy studies structure; physiology studies function.
C. Anatomy studies disease; physiology studies treatment.
D. Anatomy and physiology are identical fields.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Anatomy concerns the form/structure of
body parts; physiology addresses their function — a basic
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Stem: Which phrase best expresses the principle of
complementarity of structure and function? (≤50 words)
A. Function creates structure.
B. Structure and function are independent.
C. Form determines function.
D. Physiology replaces anatomy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale (correct): The complementarity principle is explicitly
stated as “form determines function” — anatomical structures
are suited to their physiological roles (Marieb & Hoehn, Ch.1,
Sec.1.1).
Incorrect answers:
A — Reverses the relationship; function does not create basic
anatomical form.
B — Incorrect; structure and function are interdependent per
the textbook.
D — Incorrect; physiology complements, not replaces, anatomy.
Teaching Point: Anatomy and physiology are complementary:
structure enables function.
,Stem: Which sequence correctly orders the levels of structural
organization from simplest to most complex?
A. Cell → Tissue → Organ → Molecule → Organ System →
Organism
B. Atom → Molecule → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System
→ Organism
C. Molecule → Atom → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organism →
Organ System
D. Tissue → Cell → Molecule → Atom → Organ → Organ System
→ Organism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Marieb lists the levels from chemical
(atoms, molecules) up through cells, tissues, organs, organ
systems, to organism level (Ch.1, Sec.1.2).
Incorrect answers:
A — Misplaces molecule after cell; molecule/atom belong to
the chemical level.
C — Atom cannot follow molecule; the order is reversed.
D — Reverses lower-level order (tissue before cell is incorrect).
Teaching Point: Structural organization builds from atoms to the
complete organism.
Stem: A post-op patient develops interstitial edema at the
surgical site. Which level of organization is primarily affected?
A. Cellular
B. Tissue
, C. Organ
D. Organ system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the
interstitial spaces between cells — a tissue-level problem (Ch.1,
Sec.1.2). Clinically, nurses assess tissue swelling and monitor for
related complications (NIH/MedlinePlus: edema overview).
Incorrect answers:
A — Cellular problems may contribute, but edema manifests
between cells (interstitium).
C — An organ may show swelling, but edema first occurs in
tissues.
D — Organ system implies multiple organs; edema is localized
at tissue level.
Teaching Point: Edema primarily involves tissue compartments
(interstitial spaces).
Stem: Which statement correctly distinguishes anatomy from
physiology?
A. Anatomy studies function; physiology studies structure.
B. Anatomy studies structure; physiology studies function.
C. Anatomy studies disease; physiology studies treatment.
D. Anatomy and physiology are identical fields.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Anatomy concerns the form/structure of
body parts; physiology addresses their function — a basic
