Welcome to our free anatomy and physiology quiz, your go-to resource for mastering how organs, tissues and systems come together in the human body. This engaging anatomy online test combines essential human anatomy practice with thought-provoking prompts like "anatomy is to physiology as ___________," letting you explore key concepts of structure and function. You'll reinforce fundamentals through practical scenarios in this anatomy practical quiz and spot gaps before your next exam. Curious to check your mastery? Dive in with this interactive quiz or try a focused challenge in our practice quiz . Get started now and elevate your understanding!
Which of the following is not one of the four primary tissue types in the human body?
Epithelial
Muscle
Endocrine
Nervous
The four primary tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues. Endocrine refers to glands that secrete hormones and is not a distinct tissue category. Glands are made from epithelial tissue, but 'endocrine' itself is not one of the main tissue classes. For more details, see NCBI Bookshelf.
What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?
ATP production
Cellular detoxification
Protein synthesis
Lipid storage
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. This process is central to cellular energy metabolism. Mitochondria also have roles in apoptosis but their main role is energy production. More information can be found at Britannica.
Which muscle type is under voluntary control and characterized by striations?
Visceral muscle
Cardiac muscle
Smooth muscle
Skeletal muscle
Skeletal muscle is under voluntary control and exhibits a striated appearance due to the organized arrangement of actin and myosin. Cardiac muscle is striated but involuntary, and smooth muscle is neither striated nor voluntary. See NCBI Bookshelf for more details.
What is the largest organ in the human body by surface area?
Skin
Lung
Liver
Small intestine
The skin is the body's largest organ, covering approximately 1.5 to 2 square meters in adults. It functions as a protective barrier, regulates temperature, and synthesizes vitamin D. Internal organs like the liver are large in mass but not in surface area. More information at Britannica.
Which bone classification describes the femur?
Irregular bone
Flat bone
Long bone
Short bone
The femur is classified as a long bone because it is longer than it is wide and contains a cylindrical shaft. Long bones support weight and facilitate movement. Short bones are cube-shaped, flat bones are thin and curved, and irregular bones have complex shapes. See Britannica.
How many chambers are there in the human heart?
3
2
5
4
The human heart has four chambers: two atria and two ventricles. The right side handles deoxygenated blood, and the left side pumps oxygenated blood to the body. This four-chambered structure allows for separation of pulmonary and systemic circulation. See NCBI Bookshelf.
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
Hormone secretion
Oxygen transport
Immune response
Blood clotting
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds and transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. They also carry a portion of carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Their biconcave shape increases surface area for gas exchange. Details at Britannica.
Which division of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord?
Somatic nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
Autonomic nervous system
Central nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) is comprised of the brain and spinal cord and is responsible for integrating sensory information and coordinating body functions. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the CNS. For more, see NCBI Bookshelf.
What part of a neuron carries impulses away from the cell body?
Dendrite
Node of Ranvier
Axon
Cell body
The axon transmits electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body toward other neurons or effector cells. Dendrites receive incoming signals. Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in myelin that facilitate rapid conduction. More at Britannica.
Where does gas exchange occur in the respiratory system?
Trachea
Larynx
Bronchi
Alveoli
Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between air and blood. Their large surface area and thin walls optimize diffusion. The trachea and bronchi conduct air but do not perform gas exchange. See NCBI Bookshelf.
Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body?
Pulmonary artery
Pulmonary vein
Superior vena cava
Aorta
The aorta is the largest artery in the body and distributes oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to systemic circulation. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs. For more, visit Britannica.
What is the primary function of the kidney's nephron?
Blood filtration and urine formation
Enzyme production
Hormone secretion
Red blood cell production
The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing needed substances, and excreting waste as urine. Each kidney contains about a million nephrons. More detail at Britannica.
What type of biological molecule are enzymes?
Proteins
Lipids
Nucleic acids
Carbohydrates
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy. Some RNA molecules also have catalytic activity but the majority of enzymes are protein-based. See Britannica.
Which term best describes the maintenance of a stable internal environment?
Differentiation
Homeostasis
Osmosis
Metabolism
Homeostasis refers to the processes by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions. It involves feedback mechanisms regulating temperature, pH, and other parameters. For more, see NCBI Bookshelf.
Where is cellular DNA housed in eukaryotic cells?
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Mitochondria only
Ribosomes
In eukaryotic cells, the majority of DNA is located in the nucleus, where it is organized into chromosomes. Mitochondria also contain a small amount of DNA, but the nucleus is the main repository. More at Britannica.
Which proteins form the contractile filaments in skeletal muscle according to the sliding filament theory?
Actin and myosin
Keratin and collagen
Tubulin and dynein
Elastin and fibrin
The sliding filament theory explains muscle contraction through the sliding of actin (thin) filaments over myosin (thick) filaments. Myosin heads bind to actin, pivot, and pull the filaments together. This interaction shortens the sarcomere, causing contraction. Read more at NCBI Bookshelf.
During which phase of the cardiac cycle does ventricular contraction occur?
Diastole
Atrial kick
Systole
Isovolumetric relaxation
Systole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles contract, ejecting blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery. Diastole is ventricular relaxation and filling. Isovolumetric phases are brief intervals where volume remains constant while pressure changes. More at Britannica.
What is the typical pH of gastric juice in the stomach?
7.0
2.0
5.5
9.0
Gastric juice has a very acidic pH around 1.5 to 3.5, commonly cited as pH 2.0, due to hydrochloric acid secreted by parietal cells. This acidity helps denature proteins and activate pepsin. For more, see NCBI Bookshelf.
Which lymphocyte type matures in the thymus and is responsible for cell-mediated immunity?
B cells
Natural killer cells
Macrophages
T cells
T lymphocytes mature in the thymus and mediate cell-mediated immunity, attacking infected or malignant cells directly. B cells mature in the bone marrow and produce antibodies. Natural killer cells are part of innate immunity. See Britannica.
What hormone initiates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) by converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I?
Antidiuretic hormone
Renin
Angiotensin II
Aldosterone
Renin is an enzyme released by juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney in response to low blood pressure; it cleaves angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I. Subsequent steps produce angiotensin II and aldosterone. More at NCBI Bookshelf.
Which segment of the nephron concentrates urine by creating a countercurrent multiplier system?
Distal tubule
Collecting duct
Proximal tubule
Loop of Henle
The loop of Henle creates a concentration gradient in the medulla using countercurrent flow between its descending and ascending limbs, enabling water reabsorption and urine concentration. The proximal tubule handles most reabsorption while the collecting duct fine-tunes. More at NCBI Bookshelf.
Which process refers specifically to the exchange of gases within cells of the body?
Ventilation
External respiration
Internal respiration
Pulmonary diffusion
Internal respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and tissue cells. External respiration refers to gas exchange between air in the lungs and blood in pulmonary capillaries. Ventilation is the mechanical movement of air. See Britannica.
What type of cartilage is found at the ends of long bones and in the tracheal rings?
Reticular cartilage
Hyaline cartilage
Fibrocartilage
Elastic cartilage
Hyaline cartilage provides smooth surfaces for joint movement and structural support in the trachea. It is the most abundant type of cartilage and contains a glassy matrix. Elastic cartilage contains more elastic fibers, and fibrocartilage is tougher. For more, visit Britannica.
Through which circulation does nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract pass before reaching the liver?
Pulmonary circulation
Systemic circulation
Coronary circulation
Hepatic portal circulation
Hepatic portal circulation carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver for processing and detoxification before it enters systemic circulation. The portal vein is central to this system. More information at Britannica.
What is the typical resting membrane potential of a neuron?
0 mV
+30 mV
-70 mV
-120 mV
The resting membrane potential of most neurons is around -70 mV, resulting from differential ion distribution and selective permeability of the membrane. This potential is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump and leak channels. See NCBI Bookshelf.
Which structure conducts the electrical impulse from the atria to the ventricles in the heart?
Atrioventricular node
Purkinje fibers
Sinoatrial node
Bundle of His
The atrioventricular (AV) node delays the impulse from the atria before transmitting it to the Bundle of His and ventricles, ensuring proper timing of contraction. The sinoatrial node initiates the impulse. Learn more at Britannica.
Which hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex?
Norepinephrine
Oxytocin
Cortisol
Epinephrine
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex involved in stress response, metabolism, and inflammation regulation. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted by the adrenal medulla. More at Britannica.
What defines the boundaries of a sarcomere in skeletal muscle?
A bands
H zones
M lines
Z lines
Sarcomeres are the functional units of muscle contraction, defined by Z lines on either end where actin filaments anchor. The region between Z lines shortens during contraction. The M line is the center of the sarcomere. See Britannica.
Which cells are responsible for bone resorption during remodeling?
Osteoclasts
Chondrocytes
Osteoblasts
Osteocytes
Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells that break down bone matrix during remodeling, releasing calcium and phosphate. Osteoblasts build up the matrix, and osteocytes maintain it. More at Britannica.
Blood type inheritance follows which system of antigens?
Kell system
Rh system only
MNS system
A-B-O system only
The ABO blood group system is determined by antigens A and B on red blood cells; inheritance follows classical Mendelian genetics with codominance of A and B alleles. The Rh system is separate. For details, see Britannica.
How does myelination affect action potential conduction velocity?
Has no effect on velocity
Slows conduction by increasing capacitance
Speeds conduction via saltatory conduction
Stops action potentials from propagating
Myelination insulates axons, reducing membrane capacitance and enabling saltatory conduction where action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier, vastly increasing conduction velocity. Unmyelinated axons conduct more slowly. More at Britannica.
What phenomenon describes the decreased affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen at lower pH?
Bohr effect
Haldane effect
Halothane effect
Root effect
The Bohr effect refers to hemoglobin's reduced oxygen affinity under lower pH (higher CO2), facilitating oxygen release in metabolically active tissues. The Haldane effect is reciprocal regarding CO2 affinity. For more, see Britannica.
Approximately what percentage of total body water is found in intracellular fluid?
80%
60%
40%
20%
About 40% of body weight (approximately two-thirds of total body water) is intracellular fluid, with the remaining one-third in extracellular fluid. These distributions are critical for fluid balance. More at Britannica.
Which mechanism in the kidney medulla concentrates urine via countercurrent exchange?
Collecting duct and distal tubule
Glomerulus and proximal tubule
Vasa recta and loop of Henle
Bowman's capsule only
Countercurrent exchange between the descending and ascending limbs of the loop of Henle and the vasa recta preserves the medullary osmotic gradient, enabling water reabsorption and urine concentration. See Britannica.
Which receptor type detects stretch within blood vessels and organs?
Nociceptors
Chemoreceptors
Thermoreceptors
Mechanoreceptors
Mechanoreceptors respond to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, stretch, and vibration. Baroreceptors in blood vessels are specialized mechanoreceptors sensing blood pressure changes. Nociceptors detect pain, and chemoreceptors detect chemical changes. For more, see Britannica.
What cellular structure primarily forms the blood-brain barrier?
Neuron axons
Microglia
Endothelial cells with tight junctions
Astrocyte cell bodies
Endothelial cells lining CNS capillaries form tight junctions, creating the blood-brain barrier that restricts passage of substances from blood to brain. Astrocyte end-feet support this barrier but are not the primary seal. More at Britannica.
Which factor shifts the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve to the right?
Increased 2,3-BPG
Decreased temperature
Decreased CO2
Increased pH
Increased levels of 2,3-BPG in red blood cells reduce hemoglobin's oxygen affinity, causing a rightward shift that facilitates oxygen unloading in tissues. Low pH and high CO2 also shift the curve right (Bohr effect). See Britannica.
Which two variables determine cardiac output?
Preload and afterload
Heart rate and stroke volume
Blood pressure and heart rate
Cardiac contractility and blood volume
Cardiac output is calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume (amount of blood ejected per beat). Preload, afterload, and contractility influence stroke volume but are not the direct variables in the formula. For details, see Britannica.
According to Starling's law of the heart, increased venous return leads to:
No change in cardiac output
Increased stroke volume
Increased heart rate only
Decreased stroke volume
Starling's law states that the more the cardiac muscle is stretched during filling (increased preload), the stronger the subsequent contraction, leading to increased stroke volume. Heart rate is regulated separately. More at Britannica.
Which organ is the primary site of gluconeogenesis during fasting?
Muscle
Kidney
Small intestine
Liver
The liver is the main gluconeogenic organ, producing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors during fasting. The kidney contributes to a lesser extent. Muscle lacks key enzymes for net glucose output. See Britannica.
Which type of muscle contraction occurs when tension rises but muscle length stays the same?
Isotonic contraction
Isometric contraction
Eccentric contraction
Concentric contraction
Isometric contractions generate tension without changing muscle length, such as holding a weight steady. Concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) contractions change muscle length under load. For more, visit Britannica.
Which axis involves the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands in stress response?
HPG axis
HPA axis
RAAS
HPT axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates stress response by releasing CRH from the hypothalamus, ACTH from the pituitary, and cortisol from the adrenal cortex. The HPT axis regulates thyroid hormones. See NCBI Bookshelf.
Which ion is primarily higher in concentration inside cells compared to extracellular fluid?
Potassium (K+)
Chloride (Cl-)
Calcium (Ca2+)
Sodium (Na+)
Potassium is the main intracellular cation, maintained by the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. Sodium is higher extracellularly. This gradient is essential for membrane potentials. More at Britannica.
Which buffer system is the most important for fast regulation of blood pH?
Bicarbonate buffer system
Phosphate buffer system
Protein buffer system
Ammonia buffer system
The bicarbonate buffer system, involving carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions, is the primary extracellular buffer that quickly neutralizes pH changes. Respiratory and renal mechanisms adjust CO2 and bicarbonate levels. See NCBI Bookshelf.
What distinguishes microvilli from cilia on epithelial cells?
Microvilli increase surface area; cilia are motile
Microvilli are non-motile projections that increase epithelial surface area for absorption. Cilia are larger, motile structures that move fluid or particles across the cell surface. They have different core microtubule arrangements. More at Britannica.
Which mechanism helps regulate glomerular filtration rate via afferent arteriole constriction?
Hormonal mechanism
Myogenic mechanism
Macula densa dilation
Tubuloglomerular feedback only
The myogenic mechanism responds to increased blood pressure by constricting afferent arterioles, protecting glomeruli from damage and stabilizing GFR. Tubuloglomerular feedback also adjusts tone but the intrinsic myogenic response is key for immediate regulation. More at Britannica.
During neuromuscular transmission, which ion influx triggers acetylcholine release at the presynaptic terminal?
Sodium (Na+)
Potassium (K+)
Chloride (Cl-)
Calcium (Ca2+)
Calcium influx through voltage-gated channels in the presynaptic terminal triggers synaptic vesicle fusion and acetylcholine release into the synaptic cleft. Sodium and potassium generate action potentials but calcium is the immediate trigger. See Britannica.
Which transporter reabsorbs glucose in the early proximal tubule of the nephron?
SGLT1
Na+/K+ ATPase
SGLT2
GLUT2
SGLT2 is a sodium-glucose cotransporter in the early proximal tubule that reabsorbs most filtered glucose. SGLT1, found later in the tubule, transports the remaining glucose. GLUT2 facilitates glucose diffusion on the basolateral side. More at Britannica.
Which phase of the cardiac myocyte action potential is primarily responsible for the plateau phase?
Phase 1: Initial repolarization
Phase 2: Calcium influx
Phase 3: Repolarization
Phase 0: Rapid depolarization
Phase 2 of the cardiac action potential is the plateau phase, maintained by a balance between inward L-type calcium currents and outward potassium currents, which prolongs contraction. Phase 0 is rapid Na+ influx. For more, see Britannica.
Which factor is unique to the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation?
Factor XII activation
Tissue factor
Prothrombin release
Fibrinogen synthesis
The intrinsic pathway is initiated by Factor XII activation upon contact with negatively charged surfaces. Tissue factor triggers the extrinsic pathway. Both pathways converge to form a fibrin clot. More at Britannica.
In smooth muscle cells, which organelle stores and releases calcium to initiate contraction?
Nucleus
Sarcoplasmic reticulum
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondria
The sarcoplasmic reticulum in smooth muscle stores calcium and releases it upon stimulation, leading to calmodulin activation and contraction. Although less extensive than in skeletal muscle, it still regulates intracellular Ca2+. More at Britannica.
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Study Outcomes
Differentiate Anatomy and Physiology -
Understand core distinctions by completing anatomy is to physiology as ___________ comparisons, clarifying how structure relates to function.
Identify Major Body Systems -
Name and describe the primary organ systems of the human body, using human anatomy practice to reinforce your knowledge.
Apply Anatomical Terminology -
Use correct directional and regional terms when answering quiz questions, improving precision in both study and real-world settings.
Analyze Quiz Strategies -
Develop effective approaches for an anatomy online test and anatomy practical quiz, enhancing accuracy and speed under timed conditions.
Evaluate Your Knowledge Level -
Interpret your free anatomy and physiology quiz score to identify strengths and target areas for further review.
Strengthen Concept Retention -
Reinforce key human anatomy concepts through active recall and spaced repetition techniques integrated into the practice questions.
Cheat Sheet
Structural Levels of Organization -
Review how the human body is organized from cells → tissues → organs → systems → organism, a hierarchy detailed in Gray's Anatomy (University of Edinburgh). Use the mnemonic "CTOSO" (Cells, Tissues, Organs, Systems, Organism) to lock in the sequence. Recognizing each level helps you predict how changes at the cellular level can impact whole-body function.
Major Tissue Types -
Memorize the four basic tissues - epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous - using the phrase "Eat Cake, My Niece!" sourced from histology modules at Johns Hopkins University. Note key features: epithelium lines and protects, connective supports and binds, muscle enables movement, and nervous conducts signals. Understanding tissue structure underpins both anatomy and physiology questions.
Anatomical Terminology and Planes -
Master directional terms (anterior/posterior, medial/lateral) and planes (sagittal, coronal, transverse) as defined by the American Association of Anatomists. Visualize slicing a loaf of bread to recall the transverse plane, and remember "sagittal cuts side to side like a pizza slice." Precise terminology prevents confusion in both practical quizzes and clinical contexts.
Homeostasis & Feedback Mechanisms -
Understand negative feedback loops - for example, thermoregulation: when body temperature rises, sweat glands cool you down; when it drops, shivering generates heat. Use the SENSOR → INTEGRATOR → EFFECTOR mnemonic (SIE) popular in physiology courses at Duke University to trace each step. Recognizing positive vs. negative feedback is critical for physiology scenarios.
Integrative Physiology of Major Systems -
Connect structure and function by studying key formulas like cardiac output (CO = HR × SV) from Guyton & Hall Physiology. Explore how the respiratory and cardiovascular systems collaborate to maintain blood pH and oxygen delivery. Seeing systems in action helps you tackle integrated human anatomy practice and physiology as a unified discipline.
