HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology V1/V2 (2026/2027) | NEWEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology - Versions 1 & 2 | Core Domains: Anatomical Terminology, Cell
Structure & Function, Tissues, Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous
System, Special Senses, Endocrine System, Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic System, Respiratory
System, Digestive System, Urinary System, and Reproductive Systems | Nursing & Healthcare
Admissions Focus | Comprehensive A&P Assessment Format
Exam Structure
Each version of the HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology exam (V1 & V2) for the 2026/2027 admissions
cycle is a 55-question, multiple-choice examination.
Introduction
This comprehensive HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology guide for the 2026/2027 academic year covers both
common exam versions. The content ensures mastery of the structural and functional relationships within
the human body, providing the critical scientific foundation necessary for advanced healthcare education
and clinical reasoning.
Answer Format
All correct answers and key biological principles must be presented in bold and green, followed by
detailed rationales that explain anatomical relationships, physiological processes, and their direct
relevance to patient care and nursing interventions.
1. Which anatomical plane divides the body into equal right and left halves?
A. Frontal plane
B. Transverse plane
C. Midsagittal plane
D. Parasagittal plane
C. Midsagittal plane
The midsagittal (median) plane is the only sagittal plane that passes through the midline, creating
symmetrical right and left halves. Parasagittal planes are parallel but offset from the midline. Frontal
(coronal) divides anterior/posterior; transverse divides superior/inferior.
2. The fluid portion of the cytoplasm is called:
,A. Nucleoplasm
B. Cytosol
C. Interstitial fluid
D. Plasma
B. Cytosol
Cytosol is the aqueous matrix of the cytoplasm, containing water, ions, enzymes, and organelles. It is the
site of many metabolic reactions. Nucleoplasm is inside the nucleus; plasma is the liquid component of
blood; interstitial fluid surrounds cells in tissues.
3. Which organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion?
A. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
B. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
C. Golgi apparatus
D. Lysosome
C. Golgi apparatus
The Golgi apparatus receives proteins synthesized in the rough ER, modifies them (e.g., glycosylation),
sorts them, and packages them into vesicles for transport to the plasma membrane (secretion) or other
destinations. Dysfunction can impair hormone or enzyme release.
4. Which tissue type functions in support, protection, and binding other tissues together?
A. Epithelial
B. Muscle
C. Nervous
D. Connective
D. Connective
, Connective tissue includes bone, cartilage, blood, fat, and loose/dense fibrous tissue. It provides
structural support, stores energy, transports substances, and defends against pathogens. Its
extracellular matrix distinguishes it from other tissue types.
5. The layer of the epidermis that contains actively dividing cells is the:
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum lucidum
C. Stratum basale
D. Stratum granulosum
C. Stratum basale
The stratum basale (germinativum) is the deepest epidermal layer, containing keratinocyte stem cells
that undergo mitosis to replenish the epidermis. Melanocytes in this layer produce melanin for UV
protection. Damage here (e.g., burns) impairs skin regeneration.
6. Which bone is classified as a long bone?
A. Vertebra
B. Sternum
C. Femur
D. Carpal bone
C. Femur
Long bones (e.g., femur, humerus, tibia) have a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses), and are
primarily involved in support and movement. Vertebrae and carpals are irregular and short bones,
respectively; the sternum is flat.
7. The joint between the atlas and axis is a:
A. Hinge joint
B. Pivot joint
C. Ball-and-socket joint
ANSWERS
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology - Versions 1 & 2 | Core Domains: Anatomical Terminology, Cell
Structure & Function, Tissues, Integumentary System, Skeletal System, Muscular System, Nervous
System, Special Senses, Endocrine System, Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic System, Respiratory
System, Digestive System, Urinary System, and Reproductive Systems | Nursing & Healthcare
Admissions Focus | Comprehensive A&P Assessment Format
Exam Structure
Each version of the HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology exam (V1 & V2) for the 2026/2027 admissions
cycle is a 55-question, multiple-choice examination.
Introduction
This comprehensive HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology guide for the 2026/2027 academic year covers both
common exam versions. The content ensures mastery of the structural and functional relationships within
the human body, providing the critical scientific foundation necessary for advanced healthcare education
and clinical reasoning.
Answer Format
All correct answers and key biological principles must be presented in bold and green, followed by
detailed rationales that explain anatomical relationships, physiological processes, and their direct
relevance to patient care and nursing interventions.
1. Which anatomical plane divides the body into equal right and left halves?
A. Frontal plane
B. Transverse plane
C. Midsagittal plane
D. Parasagittal plane
C. Midsagittal plane
The midsagittal (median) plane is the only sagittal plane that passes through the midline, creating
symmetrical right and left halves. Parasagittal planes are parallel but offset from the midline. Frontal
(coronal) divides anterior/posterior; transverse divides superior/inferior.
2. The fluid portion of the cytoplasm is called:
,A. Nucleoplasm
B. Cytosol
C. Interstitial fluid
D. Plasma
B. Cytosol
Cytosol is the aqueous matrix of the cytoplasm, containing water, ions, enzymes, and organelles. It is the
site of many metabolic reactions. Nucleoplasm is inside the nucleus; plasma is the liquid component of
blood; interstitial fluid surrounds cells in tissues.
3. Which organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion?
A. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum
B. Rough endoplasmic reticulum
C. Golgi apparatus
D. Lysosome
C. Golgi apparatus
The Golgi apparatus receives proteins synthesized in the rough ER, modifies them (e.g., glycosylation),
sorts them, and packages them into vesicles for transport to the plasma membrane (secretion) or other
destinations. Dysfunction can impair hormone or enzyme release.
4. Which tissue type functions in support, protection, and binding other tissues together?
A. Epithelial
B. Muscle
C. Nervous
D. Connective
D. Connective
, Connective tissue includes bone, cartilage, blood, fat, and loose/dense fibrous tissue. It provides
structural support, stores energy, transports substances, and defends against pathogens. Its
extracellular matrix distinguishes it from other tissue types.
5. The layer of the epidermis that contains actively dividing cells is the:
A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum lucidum
C. Stratum basale
D. Stratum granulosum
C. Stratum basale
The stratum basale (germinativum) is the deepest epidermal layer, containing keratinocyte stem cells
that undergo mitosis to replenish the epidermis. Melanocytes in this layer produce melanin for UV
protection. Damage here (e.g., burns) impairs skin regeneration.
6. Which bone is classified as a long bone?
A. Vertebra
B. Sternum
C. Femur
D. Carpal bone
C. Femur
Long bones (e.g., femur, humerus, tibia) have a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses), and are
primarily involved in support and movement. Vertebrae and carpals are irregular and short bones,
respectively; the sternum is flat.
7. The joint between the atlas and axis is a:
A. Hinge joint
B. Pivot joint
C. Ball-and-socket joint
