Anatomy and Physiology 30 questions (8th Edition by Valerie C. Scanlon and Tina
Sanders). Each question is followed by the correct answer and a brief rationale to
help reinforce your understanding.
Revision Test: Anatomy and Physiology
1. Homeostasis is best defined as:
A. The body’s ability to change in response to external stimuli
B. The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes
C. The process of cellular division
D. The breakdown of nutrients for energy
Answer: B
Rationale: Homeostasis refers to the regulation and maintenance of a stable internal environment,
which is essential for the proper functioning of cells and organs.
2. Which level of structural organization is considered the smallest unit of life?
A. Tissue
B. Organ
C. Cell
D. Organ system
Answer: C
Rationale: The cell is the basic unit of life and is the foundation upon which tissues, organs, and organ
systems are built.
3. Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for catalyzing biochemical reactions?
A. Lipids
B. Carbohydrates
C. Proteins
D. Nucleic acids
Answer: C
Rationale: Proteins, especially enzymes, serve as catalysts in biochemical reactions, increasing the rate
at which reactions occur without being consumed.
4. The semi-permeable nature of the cell membrane is mainly due to the presence of:
A. Phospholipids arranged in a bilayer
B. Carbohydrates embedded in the membrane
, C. Cholesterol exclusively
D. Integral proteins only
Answer: A
Rationale: The phospholipid bilayer, with its hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, creates a semi-
permeable membrane that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
5. In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is best described as the organelle that:
A. Generates energy through ATP production
B. Houses the genetic material
C. Synthesizes proteins
D. Breaks down waste materials
Answer: B
Rationale: The nucleus contains the cell’s DNA and is responsible for controlling gene expression and
regulating cell activities.
6. Which of the following is not one of the four primary tissue types in the human body?
A. Epithelial
B. Connective
C. Muscular
D. Neural
Answer: D
Rationale: The four primary tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissue.
“Neural” is often used interchangeably with nervous tissue, but in classical categorization, “nervous
tissue” is the term used.
7. The main function of the integumentary system is to:
A. Protect the body against external harm
B. Coordinate body movements
C. Produce hormones
D. Filter blood
Answer: A
Rationale: The integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, and nails, acts as a barrier
protecting the internal environment from physical, chemical, and biological damage.
8. Which cell type is primarily responsible for bone formation?
A. Osteoclasts
B. Osteoblasts