,Comprehensive Test Bank for Marieb Human Anatomy &
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Topics of Anatomy | Key
Concept: Complementarity of structure and function
Stem: A nurse explains why alveoli have thin walls. Which
statement best connects anatomy to function? (≤50 words)
A. Thin walls decrease surface area for weak diffusion.
B. Thin walls allow rapid gas diffusion across membranes.
C. Thin walls prevent blood flow to alveoli.
D. Thin walls increase resistance to airflow.
Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Thin alveolar walls (simple squamous
epithelium) minimize diffusion distance, permitting rapid
O₂/CO₂ exchange — a classic structure–function relationship
(Chapter 1, 1.1 Complementarity).
Incorrect: A — thin walls increase, not decrease, effective
diffusion. C — thin walls do not impede pulmonary blood flow;
vasculature determines flow. D — wall thinness reduces, not
increases, airflow resistance (airway radius does that).
Teaching Point: Structure optimizes physiological function (thin
barrier → faster diffusion).
,2
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Studying Anatomy | Key
Concept: Methods of anatomical study
Stem: Which method best displays the detailed three-
dimensional relationships of organs before surgery?
A. Gross anatomy dissection
B. Radiographic imaging (CT/MRI)
C. Histology slide review
D. Surface palpation exam
Answer: B
Rationale (correct): CT/MRI provide noninvasive 3-D imaging
showing organ relationships clinically useful for surgical
planning (Chapter 1, Studying Anatomy).
Incorrect: A — dissection is educational but not feasible on
living patients. C — histology examines microscopic tissue, not
organ-level 3-D relations. D — palpation is limited to surface
structures.
Teaching Point: Use imaging for live, 3-D organ relationship
assessment.
3
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Topics of Physiology | Key
Concept: Levels of physiological study
Stem: A nurse studying cardiac electrophysiology is focusing on
, which level of physiology?
A. Gross anatomy
B. Organ system physiology
C. Cellular physiology
D. Chemical level
Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Electrophysiology of cardiac cells concerns
ionic currents and cellular membrane potentials — cellular
physiology (Chapter 1, Topics of Physiology).
Incorrect: A — gross anatomy studies organ structure, not cell
electrophysiology. B — organ system physiology is broader
(whole-heart behavior). D — chemical level focuses on
atoms/molecules, not cellular electrical properties.
Teaching Point: Match the scale of study (cellular, organ,
systemic) to the physiologic question.
4
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Complementarity of
Structure and Function | Key Concept: Clinical application of
complementarity
Stem: A patient with osteoarthritis has joint cartilage thinning.
Which functional deficit follows directly?
A. Increased joint lubrication
B. Decreased shock absorption and increased pain
C. Improved range of motion
Physiology, 12th Edition (Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott) – Verified
NCLEX/HESI-Style Questions with Rationales
Chapter 1: The Human Body: An
Orientation.
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Topics of Anatomy | Key
Concept: Complementarity of structure and function
Stem: A nurse explains why alveoli have thin walls. Which
statement best connects anatomy to function? (≤50 words)
A. Thin walls decrease surface area for weak diffusion.
B. Thin walls allow rapid gas diffusion across membranes.
C. Thin walls prevent blood flow to alveoli.
D. Thin walls increase resistance to airflow.
Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Thin alveolar walls (simple squamous
epithelium) minimize diffusion distance, permitting rapid
O₂/CO₂ exchange — a classic structure–function relationship
(Chapter 1, 1.1 Complementarity).
Incorrect: A — thin walls increase, not decrease, effective
diffusion. C — thin walls do not impede pulmonary blood flow;
vasculature determines flow. D — wall thinness reduces, not
increases, airflow resistance (airway radius does that).
Teaching Point: Structure optimizes physiological function (thin
barrier → faster diffusion).
,2
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Studying Anatomy | Key
Concept: Methods of anatomical study
Stem: Which method best displays the detailed three-
dimensional relationships of organs before surgery?
A. Gross anatomy dissection
B. Radiographic imaging (CT/MRI)
C. Histology slide review
D. Surface palpation exam
Answer: B
Rationale (correct): CT/MRI provide noninvasive 3-D imaging
showing organ relationships clinically useful for surgical
planning (Chapter 1, Studying Anatomy).
Incorrect: A — dissection is educational but not feasible on
living patients. C — histology examines microscopic tissue, not
organ-level 3-D relations. D — palpation is limited to surface
structures.
Teaching Point: Use imaging for live, 3-D organ relationship
assessment.
3
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Topics of Physiology | Key
Concept: Levels of physiological study
Stem: A nurse studying cardiac electrophysiology is focusing on
, which level of physiology?
A. Gross anatomy
B. Organ system physiology
C. Cellular physiology
D. Chemical level
Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Electrophysiology of cardiac cells concerns
ionic currents and cellular membrane potentials — cellular
physiology (Chapter 1, Topics of Physiology).
Incorrect: A — gross anatomy studies organ structure, not cell
electrophysiology. B — organ system physiology is broader
(whole-heart behavior). D — chemical level focuses on
atoms/molecules, not cellular electrical properties.
Teaching Point: Match the scale of study (cellular, organ,
systemic) to the physiologic question.
4
Mapping: Chapter 1 — Section 1.1 Complementarity of
Structure and Function | Key Concept: Clinical application of
complementarity
Stem: A patient with osteoarthritis has joint cartilage thinning.
Which functional deficit follows directly?
A. Increased joint lubrication
B. Decreased shock absorption and increased pain
C. Improved range of motion
