Anatomy and Physiology in NCLEX Nursing
Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is the foundation of nursing knowledge and plays a critical role in NCLEX success. From understanding how the heart pumps blood to recognizing how the kidneys regulate fluid balance, A&P concepts appear in nearly every exam question. Nursing students are often tested on recall, application, and clinical scenarios that require linking body systems to patient care. Mastering A&P helps future nurses think critically, prioritize care, and deliver safe, effective interventions. This guide explores essential A&P topics, sample NCLEX-style questions, and study strategies to strengthen your exam preparation.
Anatomy and Physiology: Blood
- Which type of blood cell is responsible for oxygen transport?
Red blood cells (erythrocytes).
- Which blood component is essential for clotting?
Platelets (thrombocytes).
- What is the normal range for hemoglobin in adult females?
12–16 g/dL.
- Which blood type is the universal donor?
O negative.
- Which organ is the primary site for blood cell production?
Bone marrow.
Anatomy and Physiology: Cardiovascular System
- Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body?
Left ventricle.
- What is the normal adult resting heart rate?
60–100 beats per minute.
- Which valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?
Mitral (bicuspid) valve.
- Which blood vessels carry oxygenated blood away from the heart?
Arteries.
- Which node is the natural pacemaker of the heart?
Sinoatrial (SA) node.
Anatomy and Physiology: Digestive System
- Which organ produces bile?
Liver.
- What is the main function of the small intestine?
Nutrient absorption.
- Which enzyme in saliva begins the breakdown of starch?
Amylase.
- Where does protein digestion begin?
Stomach.
- Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea?
Epiglottis.
Anatomy and Physiology: Endocrine System
- Which gland is known as the ‘master gland’?
Pituitary gland.
- Which hormone regulates blood glucose by lowering it?
Insulin.
- Which gland produces cortisol?
Adrenal glands.
- Which hormone is secreted by the thyroid to regulate metabolism?
Thyroxine (T4).
- Which gland produces melatonin?
Pineal gland.
Anatomy and Physiology: Integumentary System
- Which is the outermost layer of the skin?
Epidermis.
- What protein gives skin its strength?
Keratin.
- Which pigment is responsible for skin color?
Melanin.
- Which glands produce sweat?
Sudoriferous glands.
- What is the main function of sebaceous glands?
To secrete sebum for lubrication.
Anatomy and Physiology: Lymphatic System
- What is the main function of the lymphatic system?
To return excess fluid to the bloodstream and provide immune defense.
- Which organ is the largest lymphoid organ in the body?
Spleen.
- Which lymphatic structure filters lymph before it returns to circulation?
Lymph nodes.
- Which organ is the site of T-lymphocyte maturation?
Thymus.
- Which type of lymphocyte produces antibodies?
B cells.
Anatomy and Physiology: Muscular System
- Which type of muscle is involuntary and found in the heart?
Cardiac muscle.
- What is the basic functional unit of a muscle fiber?
Sarcomere.
- Which protein filaments are responsible for muscle contraction?
Actin and myosin.
- What is the primary energy source for muscle contraction?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
- Which type of muscle is attached to bones and allows voluntary movement?
Skeletal muscle.
Anatomy and Physiology: Nervous System
- What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
Neuron.
- Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals?
Dendrites.
- Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
Cerebellum.
- Which division of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’?
Sympathetic nervous system.
- Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for muscle contraction?
Acetylcholine.
Anatomy and Physiology: Respiratory System
- Which muscle is the primary driver of breathing?
Diaphragm.
- Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
Alveoli.
- What is the normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult?
12–20 breaths per minute.
- Which part of the brain controls the respiratory rhythm?
Medulla oblongata.
- Which gas stimulates the drive to breathe under normal conditions?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Anatomy and Physiology: Skeletal System
- How many bones are in the adult human skeleton?
206.
- What is the main mineral stored in bones?
Calcium.
- Which type of joint allows the widest range of movement?
Ball-and-socket joint (e.g., hip, shoulder).
- What type of bone marrow produces blood cells?
Red bone marrow.
- What connective tissue attaches muscle to bone?
Tendons.
Anatomy and Physiology: Special Senses System
- Which structure of the eye regulates the amount of light entering?
Iris.
- Which part of the eye focuses light on the retina?
Lens.
- Which structure in the inner ear is responsible for balance?
Semicircular canals.
- Which cranial nerve transmits visual information to the brain?
Optic nerve (Cranial Nerve II).
- Which type of receptor detects smell?
Olfactory receptors.
Anatomy & Physiology: Urinary System (Part 1)
- What is the functional unit of the kidney?
Nephron.
- Which blood vessel carries blood into the kidney for filtration?
Renal artery.
- Which structure transports urine from the kidneys to the bladder?
Ureter.
- What is the normal daily urine output for adults?
800–2000 mL/day.
- Which hormone regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys?
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
- Which ion is most actively secreted into urine?
Potassium (K⁺).
- What is the normal pH of urine?
4.5–8.0.
- Which structure stores urine before excretion?
Urinary bladder.
- Which muscle controls voluntary urination?
External urethral sphincter.
- Which part of the nephron performs most reabsorption?
Proximal convoluted tubule.
Anatomy and Physiology: Urinary System (Part 2)
- Which hormone increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys?
Aldosterone.
- Which structure collects urine from the nephrons?
Renal pelvis.
- What does GFR stand for in renal physiology?
Glomerular Filtration Rate.
- Which condition is caused by kidney failure to remove waste?
Uremia.
- Which hormone is produced by the kidney to stimulate RBC production?
Erythropoietin.
- Which urinary structure is longer in males than females?
Urethra.
- Which type of muscle makes up the bladder wall?
Smooth muscle.
- What is the main nitrogenous waste excreted in urine?
Urea.
- Which diagnostic test measures kidney function via creatinine clearance?
Creatinine clearance test.
- Which condition is characterized by kidney stones?
Nephrolithiasis.
Anatomy and Physiology: Urinary System (Part 3)
- Which capillaries surround the nephron loop and aid in reabsorption?
Vasa recta.
- Which structure filters blood in the nephron?
Glomerulus.
- Which hormone reduces urine production during dehydration?
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
- Which part of the nephron establishes a concentration gradient?
Loop of Henle.
- Which electrolyte imbalance is common in renal failure?
Hyperkalemia.
- Which condition is marked by protein in urine?
Proteinuria.
- Which urinary condition refers to painful urination?
Dysuria.
- Which organ works closely with the kidneys to regulate blood pH?
Lungs.
- Which condition is caused by inflammation of the bladder?
Cystitis.
- What is the term for absence of urine production?
Anuria.
