Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Form determines function
(Complementarity of Structure and Function) — Key Concept:
Complementarity of structure and function
Stem: Which statement best illustrates the complementarity of
structure and function?
A. Bone marrow produces blood cells because it’s highly
vascular.
B. Skin keeps pathogens out due to pigmentation only.
C. Lymph nodes store water for hydration.
D. Tendons contract to move bones.
Answer: A
Rationale (correct): Bone marrow’s vascularity and specialized
spaces allow hematopoiesis; structure supports the function of
blood cell production (Ch.1, 1.1 Complementarity).
Incorrect: B — Skin’s barrier function relies on multiple features
(keratin, tight junctions), not pigmentation alone.
C — Lymph nodes filter lymph and house immune cells; they do
not primarily store water.
D — Tendons transmit muscle force but do not contract;
muscles contract.
,Teaching Point: Structure dictates physiological roles; think how
design enables function.
2
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Topics of Anatomy
(Studying Anatomy) — Key Concept: Levels of study in anatomy
Stem: Which technique is primarily used to study gross
anatomy?
A. Light microscopy.
B. Dissection of cadaveric specimens.
C. Transmission electron microscopy.
D. Biochemical assays.
Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Gross anatomy examines structures visible
to the naked eye; dissection of cadavers is the classic method
(Ch.1, Topics of Anatomy).
Incorrect: A & C — Microscopy studies microscopic anatomy,
not gross anatomy.
D — Biochemical assays study molecules, not gross structural
relationships.
Teaching Point: Match the method to the scale of structure
being studied.
3
, Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Topics of Physiology —
Key Concept: Levels of physiological study
Stem: Cellular physiology primarily investigates which of the
following?
A. Organ location.
B. Transport across membranes.
C. Surface anatomy landmarks.
D. Population health statistics.
Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Cellular physiology focuses on processes
like membrane transport, signaling, and metabolism at the cell
level (Ch.1, Topics of Physiology).
Incorrect: A & C — These are anatomical concerns.
D — Population health is public health/epidemiology, not
cellular physiology.
Teaching Point: Physiology asks “how” processes occur at
different levels.
4
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — 1.1 Complementarity of
Structure and Function — Key Concept: Clinical application of
complementarity
Stem: A nurse explains that the alveoli’s thin walls aid gas
exchange. This statement best demonstrates:
A. Form unrelated to function.
B. Complementarity of structure and function.