A&P HESI A2 Practice Test Questions
2026 | Nursing Exam Prep with Answers
1. What type of carbohydrate does amylase specifically target for breakdown?
Starch
Fiber
Protein
Fat
2. Describe the relationship between the skull and the spinal cord using
anatomical terminology.
The skull is positioned to the side of the spinal cord, indicating a
lateral relationship.
The skull is positioned below the spinal cord, indicating an inferior
relationship.
The skull is positioned above the spinal cord, indicating a superior
relationship.
The skull is positioned behind the spinal cord, indicating a posterior
relationship.
3. The function of the enzyme salivary amylase is to:
to moisten food so a bolus can be formed
to emulsify fats
to break down carbohydrates
to break down proteins
,4. If a patient has a deficiency in parathyroid hormone, what physiological
effect might you expect to observe?
Decreased muscle contraction strength
Increased bone density
Decreased blood calcium levels
Increased blood calcium levels
5. Which organ system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels?
Lymphatic
Endocrine
Cardiovascular
Digestive
6. What is the shape of the cells in columnar epithelium?
Flat
Cube-shaped
Pillar-shaped
Irregular
7. If a patient presents with symptoms of beriberi, what dietary
recommendations would you provide to ensure adequate thiamine intake?
Increase consumption of whole grains, legumes, and fortified
cereals.
Increase intake of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables.
Reduce intake of carbohydrates and increase protein consumption.
, Focus on high-fat foods to compensate for nutrient loss.
8. Which organ system prevents water loss, the entry of bacteria into the body,
and synthesizes vitamin D?
immune system
digestive system
skeletal system
integumentary system
9. The ribs are _________________ to the lungs in the human body
superior
anterior
deep
medial
10. The ________ gland sits along the superior border of the kidney.
Thyroid
Pancreas
Thymus
Adrenal
11. The rhythmic contractions that propel food through the GI tract illustrated in
this diagram are called:
Swallowing
GERD
, Peristalsis
Bolus
12. What type of cell is responsible for myelinating axons in the peripheral
nervous system?
Oligodendrocyte
Astrocyte
Schwann cell
Microglia
13. What is the primary role of the nervous system in relation to the muscular
system?
The muscles of the body produce chemicals that feed the nerves.
The nervous system releases chemicals that remove excess waste
from the muscles.
The nervous system tells the muscles how to respond to the
environment.
The muscular system provides input that allows the nerves to make
decisions.
14. Describe the location of the adrenal glands in relation to the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are located lateral to the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are located inferior to the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are located posterior to the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are located superior to the kidneys.
2026 | Nursing Exam Prep with Answers
1. What type of carbohydrate does amylase specifically target for breakdown?
Starch
Fiber
Protein
Fat
2. Describe the relationship between the skull and the spinal cord using
anatomical terminology.
The skull is positioned to the side of the spinal cord, indicating a
lateral relationship.
The skull is positioned below the spinal cord, indicating an inferior
relationship.
The skull is positioned above the spinal cord, indicating a superior
relationship.
The skull is positioned behind the spinal cord, indicating a posterior
relationship.
3. The function of the enzyme salivary amylase is to:
to moisten food so a bolus can be formed
to emulsify fats
to break down carbohydrates
to break down proteins
,4. If a patient has a deficiency in parathyroid hormone, what physiological
effect might you expect to observe?
Decreased muscle contraction strength
Increased bone density
Decreased blood calcium levels
Increased blood calcium levels
5. Which organ system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels?
Lymphatic
Endocrine
Cardiovascular
Digestive
6. What is the shape of the cells in columnar epithelium?
Flat
Cube-shaped
Pillar-shaped
Irregular
7. If a patient presents with symptoms of beriberi, what dietary
recommendations would you provide to ensure adequate thiamine intake?
Increase consumption of whole grains, legumes, and fortified
cereals.
Increase intake of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables.
Reduce intake of carbohydrates and increase protein consumption.
, Focus on high-fat foods to compensate for nutrient loss.
8. Which organ system prevents water loss, the entry of bacteria into the body,
and synthesizes vitamin D?
immune system
digestive system
skeletal system
integumentary system
9. The ribs are _________________ to the lungs in the human body
superior
anterior
deep
medial
10. The ________ gland sits along the superior border of the kidney.
Thyroid
Pancreas
Thymus
Adrenal
11. The rhythmic contractions that propel food through the GI tract illustrated in
this diagram are called:
Swallowing
GERD
, Peristalsis
Bolus
12. What type of cell is responsible for myelinating axons in the peripheral
nervous system?
Oligodendrocyte
Astrocyte
Schwann cell
Microglia
13. What is the primary role of the nervous system in relation to the muscular
system?
The muscles of the body produce chemicals that feed the nerves.
The nervous system releases chemicals that remove excess waste
from the muscles.
The nervous system tells the muscles how to respond to the
environment.
The muscular system provides input that allows the nerves to make
decisions.
14. Describe the location of the adrenal glands in relation to the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are located lateral to the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are located inferior to the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are located posterior to the kidneys.
The adrenal glands are located superior to the kidneys.
