Anatomy Practice Test 2
Anatomy NCLEX Practice Test
Anatomy, within the NCLEX test plan under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations, reflects the core knowledge domains and conceptual competencies directly related to what the exam evaluates. The targeted number of questions is 50; designed with realistic clinical scenarios and conceptual variety to help you identify both your strengths and improvement areas.
This test is the 2nd part of the Anatomy section. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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In the Anatomy Study Cards section, shared by real NCLEX candidates, you’ll find concise summaries and high-yield insights related to the most tested concepts. It’s a perfect space to reinforce challenging topics and sharpen your recall through quick, focused repetitions. Short, powerful, and repeatable!
Anatomy Practice Test 2
The esophageal opening in the diaphragm is at?
- L1
- T6
- T8
- T10
- T12
Explanation: Answer reason: Diaphragmatic openings: IVC at T8, esophageal hiatus at T10, and aortic hiatus at T12. Therefore, the esophageal opening is at T10.
The esophagus positioned _______ to trachea?
- Laterally
- Superiorly
- Anteriorly
- Posteriorly
Explanation: Answer reason: The esophagus lies posterior to the trachea in normal cervical and thoracic anatomy. The trachea is positioned in front, carrying air to the lungs, while the esophagus runs behind it, transporting food to the stomach. Cross-sectional anatomy of the neck and mediastinum consistently shows this posterior alignment.
The hilum, where structures?
- Enter
- Leave.
- Enter & leave
- Connects
Explanation: Answer reason: The hilum (or “root”) of an organ — such as the lung, kidney, or spleen — is the anatomical region where structures enter and exit the organ. These structures typically include blood vessels, nerves, ducts, and lymphatics. Because the hilum functions as both an entry and exit point, “enter & leave” is the accurate description.
The apex of lungs projects above?
- 1st rib
- 2nd rib
- 3rd rib
- 4th rib
Explanation: Answer reason: The apex of each lung rises superiorly into the root of the neck and extends above the level of the 1st rib. In fact, the lung apex projects about 2–3 cm above the clavicle, making it clinically important during procedures like central line insertion. None of the other ribs extend high enough for the lung apex to project above them.
The superficial fascia of abdominal cavity is divided into?
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Explanation: Answer reason: The superficial fascia of the abdominal wall is classically divided into two layers: Camper’s fascia – the superficial, fatty layer Scarpa’s fascia – the deeper, membranous layer These two layers are distinct in the lower abdominal region and are important in surgical anatomy, fluid tracking, and trauma assessment.
The muscles of the anterior abdominal wall consist of broad thin sheets?
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Explanation: Answer reason: The anterior abdominal wall is composed of four broad, thin, sheet-like muscles: External oblique Internal oblique Transversus abdominis Rectus abdominis (vertical but still considered part of the anterior abdominal musculature) These muscles work together to provide abdominal wall support, trunk flexion, and protection of abdominal organs.
Shape of obstetrical outlet is?
- Oval
- Diamond
- Pyramid
- Round
Explanation: Answer reason: The obstetrical outlet (pelvic outlet) has a characteristic diamond-shaped (rhombus-shaped) appearance when viewed from below. It is bounded by: Pubic arch anteriorly Ischial tuberosities laterally Tip of the coccyx posteriorly This gives it a distinct diamond configuration, essential for childbirth mechanics.
How many quadrants are there of an abdomen?
- Five
- Four
- Nine
- Seven
- Six
Explanation: Answer reason: The abdomen is clinically divided into four quadrants using two intersecting lines: A vertical line through the midline A horizontal line through the umbilicus This creates the classic four quadrants: Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ) Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ)
The ____________ peritoneum lines the internal surface of the abdominal wall?
- Mesentery
- Parietal
- Pleural
- Visceral
Explanation: Answer reason: The parietal peritoneum is the layer of the peritoneal membrane that lines the internal surface of the abdominal wall. In contrast, the visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs themselves. Mesentery is a double layer of peritoneum, and pleura refers to the thoracic cavity — not the abdomen.
Which of the following is not intraperitoneal organs?
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Rectum
- Spleen
- Stomach
Explanation: Answer reason: The kidneys are retroperitoneal, meaning they lie behind the peritoneum, not within the intraperitoneal cavity. In contrast: Liver — intraperitoneal Spleen — intraperitoneal Stomach — intraperitoneal Rectum — partly retroperitoneal but not the best answer here; among the listed choices, kidneys are the classic and clearly non-intraperitoneal organ.
Duodenum is divided into the following part(s)?
- Five
- Four
- Seven
- Six
- Ten
Explanation: Answer reason: The duodenum is anatomically divided into four distinct parts: Superior part (1st) Descending part (2nd) Horizontal/transverse part (3rd) Ascending part (4th) These four segments form the characteristic “C-shape” that curves around the head of the pancreas.
Duodenum is C-shape and is about ________ inches in length?
- Five
- Four
- Nine
- Six
- Ten
Explanation: Answer reason: The duodenum is approximately 10 inches long (about 25 cm). This length corresponds to its four segments that curve around the head of the pancreas, forming the classic C-shape. “Ten inches” is the standard anatomical measurement found in textbooks and clinical references.
Ilium is an example of?
- Long bone
- Short bone
- Flat bone
- Irregular bone
Explanation: Answer reason: The ilium, a major component of the pelvic bone, does not fit into the categories of long, short, or flat bones. Instead, the pelvic bones (ilium, ischium, pubis) have complex shapes, multiple surfaces, and irregular contours — all characteristics of irregular bones.
First part of small intestine is?
- Jejunum
- Ileum
- Duodenum
- Cecum
- Colon
Explanation: Answer reason: The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, beginning immediately after the pylorus of the stomach. It is followed sequentially by the jejunum and then the ileum. The duodenum plays a key role in the initial phase of digestion, receiving chyme from the stomach along with bile and pancreatic enzymes.
The widest part of the uterine tube is?
- Isthmus
- Infundibulum
- Fimbriae
- Ampulla
Explanation: Answer reason:The ampulla is the widest and longest part of the uterine (fallopian) tube. It is also the site where fertilization most commonly occurs, due to its wide lumen and optimal environment for sperm–oocyte interaction. Other segments: Infundibulum: funnel-shaped portion with fimbriae Fimbriae: finger-like projections Isthmus: narrow, thick-walled portion leading to the uterus.
First part of the small intestine is?
- Jejunum
- Ileum
- Duodenum
- Cecum
- Colon
Explanation: Answer reason: The duodenum is the first portion of the small intestine, beginning immediately after the pylorus of the stomach. It receives acidic chyme and mixes it with bile and pancreatic enzymes, initiating the major phase of digestion.
A small shallow depression is known as?
- Fossa
- Fovea
- Tubercle
- Tuberosity
Explanation: Answer reason: A fovea is defined as a small, shallow depression on a bone. Examples include the fovea capitis on the head of the femur. In comparison: Fossa: a larger, deeper depression Tubercle: a small rounded projection Tuberosity: a larger roughened projection Thus, the term specifically describing a small shallow depression is fovea.
A narrow cleft or deep opening called?
- Fossa
- Fissure
- Tubercle
- Tuberosity
Explanation: Answer reason: A fissure is defined as a narrow, slit-like opening or deep cleft between bones or within a bone. Examples include the superior orbital fissure and inferior orbital fissure in the skull. Other options: Fossa: broad, shallow depression Tubercle: small rounded projection Tuberosity: large roughened projection
Kidney are of weight about?
- 200g
- 100g
- 150g
- None of these
Explanation: Answer reason: An adult human kidney typically weighs about 150 grams. Average ranges: Male kidney: ~150–170 g Female kidney: ~130–150 g Therefore, 150 g is the closest and most accurate single-value answer.
Hepaticpancreatic ampulla are open into?
- Jejunum
- Ileum
- Duodenum
- None of these
Explanation: Answer reason: The hepatopancreatic ampulla (also called the ampulla of Vater) is the dilated junction where the common bile duct and main pancreatic duct merge. This ampulla opens into the descending (2nd) part of the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla. This is the primary entry point for bile and pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine.
Osteoblasts cells secreted?
- Organic component.
- Inorganic component.
- Both and A and B.
- None of these.
Explanation: Answer reason: Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells responsible for secreting the organic component of bone matrix, also called osteoid. This organic portion is mainly composed of: Type I collagen (major structural protein) Proteoglycans Glycoproteins Osteoblasts do not secrete the inorganic mineral component (hydroxyapatite crystals); mineralization occurs afterward.
Fit of head _________ glenoid cavity?
- Femur bone.
- Tibia bone.
- Radius bone.
- Humerus bone.
Explanation: Answer reason: The head of the humerus fits into the glenoid cavity (glenoid fossa) of the scapula to form the glenohumeral joint, which is the main shoulder joint. None of the other bones articulate with the glenoid cavity. Femur → fits in the acetabulum Tibia → forms knee joint with femur Radius → articulates with capitulum of humerus and radial notch
Heel of foot from by?
- Talus bone.
- Calcaneus bone.
- Navicular bone.
- Cuboid bone.
Explanation: Answer reason: The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone and forms the heel of the foot. It provides attachment for the Achilles tendon and is essential for weight-bearing and gait mechanics. Other bones: Talus: forms ankle joint Navicular & Cuboid: midfoot bones, not the heel
Contractile part of the muscle?
- Origin part
- Inversion
- Fleshy part
- Both A and B
Explanation: Answer reason: The contractile part of a muscle is its fleshy part, also called the muscle belly. This portion contains the muscle fibers responsible for contraction. Other terms: Origin: the fixed attachment point of the muscle Insertion: the movable attachment point Inversion: a foot movement, unrelated to muscle structure Thus, only the fleshy part represents the contractile portion.
Lungs are surrounded by?
- Pleura
- Pericardium
- Peritoneum
- All of the Above
Explanation: Answer reason: The lungs are surrounded by the pleura, a double-layered serous membrane consisting of: Visceral pleura → directly covers the lung surface Parietal pleura → lines the thoracic cavity Other options are incorrect: Pericardium surrounds the heart Peritoneum surrounds abdominal organs
Superior mediastinum contain all of the following accept?
- Thymus
- Heart
- Trachea
- Esophagus
Explanation: Answer reason: The superior mediastinum contains: Thymus Trachea Esophagus (upper part) Great vessels (aortic arch, SVC, brachiocephalic veins) Vagus and phrenic nerves Thoracic duct However, the heart is NOT in the superior mediastinum. The heart lies in the middle mediastinum within the pericardial sac. Thus, heart is the structure not found in the superior mediastinum.
Bone looks like a honey comb?
- Compact bone.
- Spongy bone.
- Both and A and B.
- None of these.
Explanation: Answer reason: Spongy bone (cancellous bone) has a honeycomb-like structure made of a network of trabeculae with marrow-filled spaces. This porous, lattice-like pattern is characteristic and allows the bone to be lightweight yet strong. In contrast: Compact bone → dense, solid, arranged in osteons Both A and B → incorrect because only spongy bone has the honeycomb appearance.
Bladder is roughly ---- shaped?
- Apple
- Pear
- Oval
- None of these
Explanation: Answer reason: The urinary bladder in adults is often described as being pear-shaped (pyriform), with a wider upper part (the fundus) and a narrower lower part (the neck). Its shape changes slightly depending on how full it is, but the classic anatomical description is pear-shaped. Other shapes: Apple → not used for bladder anatomy Oval → more common for ovaries, not bladder None of these → incorrect
Largest gland in the body is?
- Liver
- Pituitary
- Thymus
- Thyroid
- None of above
Explanation: Answer reason: The liver is the largest gland in the human body. It has both exocrine (bile secretion) and endocrine/metabolic functions, which is why it is classified as a gland in anatomical terms. Other glands are much smaller: Pituitary: pea-sized Thymus: small and shrinks after puberty Thyroid: ~20–25 grams
Largest sesamoid bone of the body is?
- Clavicle
- Fibula
- Femur
- Hip bone
- Patella
Explanation: Answer reason: The patella (kneecap) is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body. Sesamoid bones develop within tendons, and the patella forms within the quadriceps femoris tendon, improving leverage of the knee joint. Other listed bones are not sesamoid bones.
Deep fascia is well defined in?
- Eye lids
- Head
- Limb
- Neck & limb
- Trunk
Explanation: Answer reason: Deep fascia is a dense, well-organized connective tissue layer that is most well-defined in the neck and limbs. In these regions, it forms strong compartments, sheaths, and septa that: Surround muscles Provide structural support Form neurovascular pathways Deep fascia is poorly developed in areas like the face and eyelids and is less prominent in the trunk.
The median portion of thoracic cavity?
- Parietal cavity
- Visceral cavity
- Intra pleural
- None of these
Explanation: Answer reason: None of these (Correct anatomical term = Mediastinum) The median (central) portion of the thoracic cavity is the mediastinum. It contains: Heart Great vessels Trachea Esophagus Thymus Lymph nodes None of the listed answer choices (parietal cavity, visceral cavity, intrapleural, outer pleural) represent the central or median part of the thorax. Pleural cavities (parietal, visceral, intrapleural) are lateral, surrounding each lung — not median. Therefore, the correct anatomical concept is mediastinum, which is not listed, so the true answer is: None of these
The mediastinal surface lies against the mediastinum?
- Superiorly
- Inferiorly
- Posteriorly
- Medially
Explanation: Answer reason: Each lung has a mediastinal surface, which is the surface that faces the mediastinum. Since the mediastinum is located between the two lungs, the surface that lies against it must be directed medially. Other directions do not make anatomical sense: Superiorly → toward the apex Inferiorly → toward the diaphragm Posteriorly → toward the vertebrae Thus, the correct orientation is medially.
The first rib articulates with?
- Manubrium
- Sternal angle
- Body of sternum
- Histogram
Explanation: Answer reason: The first rib articulates only with the manubrium of the sternum at the 1st sternocostal joint. This joint is: Primary cartilaginous (synchondrosis) Non-movable Other options: Sternal angle → between manubrium & sternal body (2nd rib attaches here) Body of sternum → articulates with ribs 2–7 Histogram → not an anatomical structure
The second rib articulates with?
- Sternoclavicular joint
- Sternal angle
- Body of sternum
- Histogram
Explanation: Answer reason: The second rib articulates at the sternal angle (also called the Angle of Louis), which is the junction between the manubrium and the body of the sternum. This landmark is clinically important because: It marks the articulation of the 2nd costal cartilage It is used to count ribs and intercostal spaces It aligns with the T4–T5 vertebral level Other options are incorrect: Sternoclavicular joint → clavicle + manubrium Body of sternum → ribs 3–7 Histogram → not an anatomical structure
Pleura is a membrane which folds back onto itself?
- Visceral
- Serous
- Hard
- Soft
Explanation: Answer reason: The pleura is a serous membrane that folds back onto itself to form: Parietal pleura → lines the thoracic cavity Visceral pleura → covers the lungs This double-layered arrangement creates the pleural cavity and allows smooth lung movement during respiration. Other options: Visceral → one layer of the pleura, not the membrane type Hard / Soft → not membrane classifications
Acetabulum, ischial tuberosity, ischial spine are parts of?
- Ilium
- Ischium
- Pubic bone
- Iliac fossa
Explanation: Answer reason: The ischium is the part of the hip bone that includes: Ischial tuberosity → the “sitting bone” Ischial spine → a pointed projection between greater & lesser sciatic notches Part of the acetabulum (the socket for the femoral head) While the acetabulum is formed by all three hip bones (ilium, ischium, pubis), the ischium contributes significantly, and the other two listed structures (ischial spine, ischial tuberosity) are exclusively from the ischium. Thus, the answer with all three structures correctly fitting is ischium.
Short gastric artery supplies which part of the stomach?
- Antrum
- Body
- Fundus
- Pylorus
- Rugae
Explanation: Answer reason: The short gastric arteries arise from the splenic artery and pass through the gastrosplenic ligament to supply the fundus of the stomach. They specifically supply the superior portion near the left side of the greater curvature. Other parts are supplied by different arteries: Antrum & Pylorus → right/left gastric & gastroepiploic arteries Body → gastric & gastroepiploic arteries Rugae → mucosal folds, not a region
Superior mesenteric plexus provides nerve supply to?
- Duodenum
- Kidneys
- Spleen
- Stomach
- Ureters
Explanation: Answer reason: The superior mesenteric plexus is derived from the celiac plexus and mainly innervates organs supplied by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). These include: Duodenum (distal part — 3rd & 4th portions) Jejunum Ileum Ascending colon Proximal 2/3 of transverse colon The other options receive innervation from different plexuses: Stomach & Spleen → Celiac plexus Kidneys & Ureters → Renal plexus Thus, duodenum is the correct match.
Pancreas are _________ long?
- about 10-16 cm
- about 12-15 cm
- about 8-12 cm
- none of these
Explanation: Answer reason: The pancreas in an adult is typically 12–15 cm long, extending from the curve of the duodenum (head) to the spleen (tail). This measurement is consistent across standard anatomical references. Other options are less accurate: 10–16 cm → wider and less precise range 8–12 cm → too short for a normal adult pancreas Thus, 12–15 cm is the most correct answer.
Axial skeleton consists?
- Skull and face.
- Vertebra and thoracic cage.
- Both a and b.
- None of these.
Explanation: Answer reason: The axial skeleton is made up of three major components: Skull and facial bones Vertebral column Thoracic cage (ribs + sternum) These structures form the central axis of the body, protecting vital organs such as the brain, spinal cord, heart, and lungs. Since both option A and option B are correct, the combined answer (both A and B) is the proper choice.
The shoulder and hip joints are of this type?
- Ball and socket
- Pivot
- Saddle
- Gliding
Explanation: Answer reason: Both the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) and the hip joint (acetabulofemoral joint) are classic examples of ball-and-socket synovial joints. They allow the widest range of motion, including: Flexion / Extension Abduction / Adduction Internal / External rotation Circumduction Other joint types do not match: Pivot → atlas-axis joint Saddle → thumb carpometacarpal joint Gliding → intercarpal joints
The pelvis occurs frequently in men?
- Android
- Gynaecoid
- Anthropoid
- Platypelloid
Explanation: Answer reason: The android pelvis is the type that occurs most frequently in males. It is characterized by: A heart-shaped pelvic inlet Narrow subpubic angle Prominent ischial spines A generally tall and funnel-shaped pelvis In contrast: Gynecoid → most common in females Anthropoid → oval, common in some populations Platypelloid → least common pelvic type
Posterior boundary of pelvic inlet?
- Pubic symphysis
- Linea terminalis
- Sacrum
- Ischial tuberosity
Explanation: Answer reason: The pelvic inlet (brim) is the opening that marks the boundary between the false pelvis and true pelvis. Its posterior boundary is formed by the: Sacral promontory Ala (wings) of the sacrum Other options belong to different boundaries: Pubic symphysis → anterior boundary Linea terminalis → lateral boundary (arcuate line + pectineal line) Ischial tuberosity → part of the pelvic outlet, not inlet Thus, the correct posterior boundary is the sacrum.
Spleen is located __________ to the stomach?
- anteriorly
- inferiorly
- posteriorly
- superiorly
- superio-inferiorly
Explanation: Answer reason: The spleen is located posterior and lateral to the stomach, in the left upper quadrant beneath ribs 9–11. More precisely: The stomach lies anterior to the spleen. The spleen sits posteriorly in the left hypochondrium. This position is clinically important because splenic injury often occurs with trauma to the lower left ribs.
The first cervical vertebra is called?
- Axis
- Atlas
- Lamina
- Tubercula
Explanation: Answer reason: The first cervical vertebra is called the Atlas. While Atlas is a slightly non-standard phrasing, it is clearly intended to refer to the Atlas and is the correct anatomical answer.
Small intestine is ______ long?
- 6 meters
- 7 meters
- 5 meters
- None of these
Explanation: Answer reason: The small intestine is approximately 6 meters long in an adult human, making option 6 meters the correct answer.
The human body contains skeletal muscles is?
- 500
- 600
- 400
- 300
- 700
Explanation: Answer reason: Standard anatomical reference: humans have approximately 600 skeletal muscles.
Which one of the following is an atypical rib?
- 1st rib
- 6th rib
- 7th rib
- 2nd rib.
Explanation: Answer reason: Atypical ribs include 1st, 2nd, 10th, 11th, and 12th. Among the given options, the 1st rib is atypical (and is commonly selected when a single answer is requested).
Kidney are long?
- About 12cm
- About 11cm
- About 13cm
- None of these
Explanation: Answer reason: In standard anatomy, an adult kidney typically measures about 11 cm in length (approximately 11 × 6 × 3 cm).
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