Complete Exam Bank With 300 High Yield Questions
and Detailed Rationales for Nursing and Pre-Medical
Students
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology
Section One: Anatomical Terminology and Body Organization Questions 1
through 60
Question 1
The study of the structure of the human body and its parts is known as:
A) Physiology
B) Histology
C) Anatomy
D) Cytology
Answer: C
Explanation: Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body and the
relationships between its parts. Physiology is the study of how the body
functions. Histology is the study of tissues. Cytology is the study of cells.
Anatomy provides the structural framework that allows physiology to occur.
Question 2
The study of tissues is called:
A) Anatomy
B) Histology
C) Physiology
D) Embryology
Answer: B
Explanation: Histology is the microscopic study of tissues, which are groups of
similar cells that perform a common function. Anatomy is the study of body
structures. Physiology is the study of function. Embryology is the study of
,development from fertilization to birth. Histology is essential for understanding
how tissues form organs.
Question 3
The body is divided into equal right and left halves by which plane?
A) Sagittal plane
B) Midsagittal plane
C) Parasagittal plane
D) Transverse plane
Answer: B
Explanation: The midsagittal plane, also called the median plane, passes through
the midline of the body, dividing it into equal right and left halves. A sagittal
plane is any vertical plane parallel to the midline. A parasagittal plane divides the
body into unequal right and left portions. The transverse plane divides the body
horizontally into superior and inferior parts.
Question 4
Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions?
A) Sagittal plane
B) Frontal plane
C) Transverse plane
D) Oblique plane
Answer: B
Explanation: The frontal plane, also called the coronal plane, divides the body
into anterior and posterior portions. The sagittal plane divides the body into left
and right portions. The transverse plane divides the body into superior and
inferior portions. The oblique plane divides the body at an angle.
Question 5
The transverse plane divides the body into:
A) Left and right
B) Anterior and posterior
C) Superior and inferior
D) Medial and lateral
Answer: C
,Explanation: The transverse plane, also called the horizontal plane, divides the
body into superior and inferior portions. It is perpendicular to the long axis of the
body. The sagittal plane divides into left and right. The frontal plane divides into
anterior and posterior.
Question 6
The heart is located in which body cavity?
A) Thoracic cavity
B) Abdominal cavity
C) Pelvic cavity
D) Cranial cavity
Answer: A
Explanation: The heart is located in the thoracic cavity within the mediastinum,
which is the central compartment between the lungs. The abdominal cavity
contains digestive organs. The pelvic cavity contains reproductive organs and
bladder. The cranial cavity houses the brain.
Question 7
The lungs are located in which body cavity?
A) Thoracic cavity
B) Abdominal cavity
C) Pericardial cavity
D) Pelvic cavity
Answer: A
Explanation: The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity, specifically within the
pleural cavities on either side of the mediastinum. The pericardial cavity
surrounds the heart. The abdominal cavity contains digestive organs. The pelvic
cavity contains reproductive organs.
Question 8
The diaphragm separates which two cavities?
A) Thoracic and abdominal
B) Cranial and spinal
C) Abdominal and pelvic
D) Thoracic and pericardial
, Answer: A
Explanation: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic
cavity from the abdominal cavity. It plays a critical role in respiration by
contracting and flattening to increase thoracic volume. The cranial cavity is
separated from the spinal cavity by the foramen magnum. The abdominal and
pelvic cavities are continuous.
Question 9
The serous membrane that covers the lungs is called the:
A) Parietal pleura
B) Visceral pleura
C) Parietal pericardium
D) Visceral pericardium
Answer: B
Explanation: The visceral pleura is the serous membrane that directly covers the
lungs. The parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity wall. The parietal pericardium
lines the pericardial cavity. The visceral pericardium covers the heart.
Question 10
The serous membrane that lines the thoracic cavity wall is called the:
A) Visceral pleura
B) Parietal pleura
C) Visceral pericardium
D) Parietal peritoneum
Answer: B
Explanation: The parietal pleura lines the thoracic cavity wall and adheres to the
rib cage and diaphragm. The visceral pleura covers the lungs. The parietal
peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity. The visceral pericardium covers the heart.
Question 11
The serous membrane that covers the heart is called the:
A) Parietal pericardium
B) Visceral pericardium
C) Parietal pleura
D) Visceral pleura