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HESI A2 Anatomy and physiology practice questions

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These are original practice items written to the HESI A2 blueprint (4 options, no penalty for wrong answers), not actual exam questions. Try each one before you open the answer.

What this topic covers

Anatomy and physiology sits inside the Anatomy and Physiology section of the HESI A2. Our bank holds 93 verified items tagged to it, and the 4 below are a fixed sample so the page stays the same every time you open it. Each one shows the reasoning, not just the letter.

The topic tag comes from our own items rather than from a published syllabus, so treat it as a map of what we cover. For the official section breakdown see the HESI A2 page.

Anatomy and physiology sample questions

Question 1

Which type of bone cell is primarily responsible for the resorption (breakdown) of bone tissue?

  1. A Osteoclast
  2. B Osteoblast
  3. C Osteocyte
  4. D Chondrocyte
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells that secrete acids and enzymes to dissolve bone matrix, releasing calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream. This process is essential for bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis.

Why the other options are wrong:
B: Osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation (deposition of new bone matrix), not resorption.
C: Osteocytes are mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix and regulate mineral exchange; they do not actively resorb bone.
D: Chondrocytes are cells found in cartilage, not in bone tissue, and are involved in cartilage maintenance and growth.

Question 2

During a fever, the body's temperature regulation center in the hypothalamus triggers vasodilation and sweating to lower body temperature. This mechanism is an example of:

  1. A Feedforward control
  2. B Homeostasis disruption
  3. C Negative feedback
  4. D Positive feedback
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Negative feedback reverses a deviation from the set point—here, high temperature triggers responses to cool the body. Positive feedback amplifies a change, feedforward anticipates a change, and the process actually maintains homeostasis, not disrupts it.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Feedforward control involves anticipatory responses before a change occurs, not after the fact.
B: The process is a homeostatic mechanism that corrects the disruption, not a disruption itself.
D: Positive feedback amplifies a change (e.g., childbirth contractions), it does not reverse a deviation.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of the integumentary system?

  1. A Regulation of body temperature
  2. B Protection from pathogens
  3. C Synthesis of vitamin D
  4. D Production of red blood cells
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Red blood cell production occurs in the bone marrow, part of the skeletal system. The integumentary system (skin, hair, nails) provides protection, synthesizes vitamin D with sunlight, and helps regulate temperature through sweating and blood flow.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Temperature regulation is achieved via sweat glands and vasodilation/vasoconstriction.
B: Protection is a key function of the skin, forming a barrier against microbes.
C: Vitamin D synthesis begins in the skin when exposed to UV light.

Question 4

A nurse is explaining the functions of the integumentary system to a patient. Which of the following is a primary function of this system?

  1. A Filtration of blood to form urine
  2. B Regulation of body temperature
  3. C Transport of oxygen to tissues
  4. D Production of hormones for growth
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

The integumentary system (skin, hair, nails, sweat glands) regulates body temperature through sweating and vasodilation/vasoconstriction. Oxygen transport is respiratory/circulatory, blood filtration is urinary, and hormone production for growth is endocrine.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Filtration of blood to form urine is the function of the urinary system (kidneys).
C: Transport of oxygen is primarily the function of the circulatory and respiratory systems.
D: Production of hormones for growth is primarily the role of the endocrine system.

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