HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions
- free questions here
- 10 free questions here
- questions on the exam
- 30 questions on the exam
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- 10 topics covered
- last updated
- October 2026 last updated
Ten free HESI A2 anatomy and physiology practice questions are below, each with an explanation. The section has 30 questions. It covers anatomical terms, planes and directions, and the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive and integumentary systems. Not every program requires it.
Anatomy and Physiology
10 free anatomy and physiology questions
Answer, check, and read the explanation before you move on.
HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology
Question 1 of 10
Which pair of terms correctly describes structures on the same side of the body and on opposite sides?
Not quite. The answer is A
Key takeaway
Ipsilateral means on the same side, as with the left arm and left leg, and contralateral means on the opposite side. Bilateral and unilateral refer to both sides versus one side.
Which statement correctly describes the pulmonary veins?
Not quite. The answer is A
Key takeaway
Pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium. Veins are defined by carrying blood toward the heart, regardless of oxygen content.
Foreign bodies that are aspirated most often lodge in which airway?
Not quite. The answer is A
Key takeaway
The right main bronchus is wider, shorter and more vertical than the left, so inhaled objects pass into it more easily.
Which structure of the eye contains the photoreceptors that respond to light?
Not quite. The answer is B
Key takeaway
The retina is the innermost layer of the eye and holds the photoreceptors. The cornea only refracts light at the front, and the sclera is the white outer area.
Which hormone, released by thyroid C cells, lowers blood calcium levels?
Not quite. The answer is C
Key takeaway
Calcitonin from thyroid C cells lowers blood calcium. Parathyroid hormone does the opposite and raises it, and calcitriol increases intestinal calcium absorption.
Which hormone, released by S-cells in response to acidic chyme, stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate and water secretion?
Not quite. The answer is D
Key takeaway
Secretin from S-cells is triggered by acidic chyme (pH below 4.5) and neutralizes acid by stimulating bicarbonate and water. CCK comes from I-cells and acts on enzymes and the gallbladder.
Hypothalamic releasing hormones reach the anterior pituitary through which structure?
Not quite. The answer is D
Key takeaway
Releasing and inhibiting hormones travel in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal blood vessels to the anterior pituitary. Axonal transport applies to ADH and oxytocin of the posterior pituitary.
Which part of the nephron is impermeable to water and reabsorbs NaCl through NKCC2?
Not quite. The answer is B
Key takeaway
The thick ascending limb reabsorbs NaCl via NKCC2 without water following, which helps build the medullary gradient. The descending limb is permeable to water.
Seminal vesicles contribute about what proportion of semen volume, and are rich in fructose?
Not quite. The answer is C
Key takeaway
Seminal vesicles supply roughly 60% of semen volume and their fructose fuels sperm. The prostate supplies about 25%, which is the near-miss figure.
Which cells in the epidermis act as antigen-presenting cells and migrate to regional lymph nodes to present to T cells?
Not quite. The answer is B
Key takeaway
Langerhans cells are epidermal antigen-presenting cells that travel to regional lymph nodes and present antigen to T cells. Neutrophils are phagocytes and NK cells kill infected or tumor cells.
Coverage
What HESI A2 anatomy and physiology covers
The topics our practice questions for this section are written to.
- Use general anatomical terminology (planes, directions, cavities, tissues)
- Describe the cardiovascular system
- Describe the respiratory system
- Describe the nervous system and special senses
- Describe the musculoskeletal system
- Describe the digestive system
- Describe the endocrine system
- Describe the urinary system, fluids and electrolytes
- Describe the reproductive system
- Describe the integumentary, immune and lymphatic systems
Tips
How to score higher on anatomy and physiology
- Learn directional terms in pairs: medial and lateral, proximal and distal, ipsilateral and contralateral.
- Trace blood through the heart until you can do it without looking: the pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood.
- For each hormone, know the gland, the trigger and the effect.
- Study one system at a time, then mix them once each one is solid.
FAQ
HESI A2 anatomy and physiology FAQ
How many questions are on HESI A2 anatomy and physiology?
The anatomy and physiology section has 30 questions.
Do all schools require the HESI A2 anatomy and physiology section?
No. Not all programs require it. Check your program's admission requirements.
What body systems are on HESI A2 anatomy and physiology?
General terminology plus the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive and integumentary systems.
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