Anatomy Practice Test 12
Anatomy NCLEX Practice Test
Anatomy is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations → Anatomy. This section examines human structure from a nursing perspective, supporting accurate assessment and procedural safety. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 12th part of the Anatomy series. 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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Anatomy Practice Test 12
How many pairs of ribs are present in the human body?
- 10
- 12
- 14
- 16
Explanation: Answer reason: An adult human typically has 12 pairs of ribs (24 ribs total). Ribs 1–7 are true ribs that attach directly to the sternum, ribs 8–10 are false ribs that attach via shared costal cartilage, and ribs 11–12 are floating ribs with no anterior attachment. While anatomical variations exist, 12 pairs is the standard number.
The largest organ of the human body is?
- Liver
- Heart
- Skin
- Brain
Explanation: Answer reason: The skin is the body's largest organ by both surface area and weight, covering about 1.5–2.0 m² and weighing roughly 3–4 kg in adults. It serves as a protective barrier, regulates temperature, and participates in sensation and immune defense. The liver is the largest internal solid organ, while the heart and brain are smaller by mass and area.
Left lung is smaller because of?
- Liver
- Heart
- Stomach
- Pancreas
Explanation: Answer reason: The left lung is smaller because the heart occupies space in the left thoracic cavity, creating a cardiac impression and notch on the left lung. This reduces its volume and leaves it with two lobes, compared with three on the right. The liver elevates the right diaphragm but does not reduce the left lung, and the stomach and pancreas are abdominal organs that do not determine lung size.
Jaw bone is called?
- Mandible
- Maxilla
- Clavicle
- Frontal
Explanation: Answer reason: The jaw bone commonly referred to in anatomy is the mandible, which forms the lower jaw and articulates with the temporal bones at the temporomandibular joints. The maxilla is the upper jaw and forms part of the orbit and hard palate, not the movable lower jaw. The clavicle is the collarbone, and the frontal bone forms the forehead. Therefore, the correct term for the jaw bone is the mandible.
How many bones does a child have at birth?
- 300
- 206
- 250
- None of these
Explanation: Answer reason: Newborns have approximately 270 bones. Many skeletal elements are separate or cartilaginous at birth (e.g., cranial bones, sacral and coccygeal segments) and later fuse during growth, resulting in the adult count of 206. Therefore, 206 is the adult number, and 300 or 250 are not accurate counts for a newborn; the best answer among the choices is 'None of these.
The largest part of the human brain is —?
- Cerebellum
- Cerebrum
- Medulla
- Pons
Explanation: Answer reason: The cerebrum comprises the two cerebral hemispheres and accounts for the majority of brain mass. It is responsible for higher cognitive functions, sensory integration, and voluntary motor activity. The cerebellum is smaller and coordinates balance and fine movement, while the medulla and pons are components of the brainstem. Therefore, the cerebrum is the largest part.
Fontanelle closure occurs by?
- 2 months
- 6 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
Explanation: Answer reason: The anterior fontanelle normally closes between 12 and 18 months of age as cranial sutures ossify. The posterior fontanelle typically closes much earlier, by about 2–3 months. Since the question asks when fontanelle closure occurs by, the best single answer is 18 months.
The spinal cord ends at which vertebra level?
- L1–L2
- L3–L4
- T1–T2
- S1–S2
Explanation: Answer reason: In adults the spinal cord tapers to the conus medullaris at approximately the L1–L2 vertebral level. Below this level lie the cauda equina nerve roots and filum terminale within the lumbar cistern. This is why lumbar punctures are performed at L3–L4 or L4–L5 to avoid cord injury. Levels T1–T2 or S1–S2 are far above or below the cord termination, respectively.
The spinal cord is protected by —?
- Skull
- Vertebral column
- Cartilage
- Brain
Explanation: Answer reason: The spinal cord lies within the vertebral canal formed by the stacked vertebral foramina of the vertebral column, which provides rigid bony protection. Additional protection is provided by meninges and cerebrospinal fluid within this canal. The skull protects the brain, not the spinal cord, and cartilage alone does not enclose the cord.
Study of bones is called?
- Osteology
- Arthrology
- Myology
- Neurology
Explanation: Answer reason: Osteology is the anatomical study of bones, including their structure, development, and function. Arthrology focuses on joints, myology on muscles, and neurology on the nervous system. Therefore, the correct term for the study of bones is osteology.
The smallest bone in the human body is —?
- Stapes
- Malleus
- Incus
- Ulna
Explanation: Answer reason: The stapes, one of the three auditory ossicles of the middle ear, is the smallest bone in the human body at roughly 3–3.5 mm in length. It transmits sound vibrations from the incus to the oval window of the cochlea. Malleus and incus are also small ossicles but are larger than the stapes. The ulna is a long bone of the forearm and is much larger.
Which bone forms the forehead?
- Frontal bone
- Parietal bone
- Temporal bone
- Occipital bone
Explanation: Answer reason: The frontal bone forms the anterior portion of the skull, including the forehead and the roofs of the orbits. The parietal bones form the sides and roof of the cranial cavity. The temporal bones make up the lower lateral skull and parts of the cranial base. The occipital bone forms the posterior skull and base.
Number of cervical vertebrae is ...?
- 5
- 7
- 12
- 4
Explanation: Answer reason: Humans have 7 cervical vertebrae (C1–C7) forming the neck portion of the vertebral column. C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) are specialized to support and rotate the skull. The other options correspond to other spinal regions (e.g., 12 thoracic) or are incorrect counts for the cervical region.
Largest bone of the body is ...?
- Humerus
- Fumer
- Ulna
- Radius
Explanation: Answer reason: The largest bone in the human body is the femur (thigh bone), which is the longest and strongest bone and supports body weight during standing and ambulation. Option B appears to be a misspelling ("fumer") intended to represent "femur". The humerus is the largest bone of the upper limb, while the ulna and radius are forearm bones and are smaller.
Hyoid is a bone of?
- Femur
- Tounge
- Radius
- Scapula
Explanation: Answer reason: The hyoid is a U-shaped bone located in the anterior neck and serves as an anchoring structure for the tongue and its associated muscles. It supports tongue movement and swallowing and is unique because it does not articulate directly with other bones. Among the options, it is most directly associated with the tongue rather than limb or shoulder bones.
The term “proximal” means?
- Near to point of attachment
- Away from point of attachment
- Above
- Back
Explanation: Answer reason: In anatomical terminology, “proximal” describes a structure that is closer to the trunk or to the point where a limb or structure attaches to the body. This term is commonly used to compare locations along an extremity (e.g., the elbow is proximal to the wrist). “Distal” is the opposite, meaning farther from the point of attachment. Therefore, the correct choice is near to point of attachment.
Posterior compartment of the lower leg?
- This is supplied by the tibial nerve
- It is supplied by the posterior tibial artery
- The superficial compartment contains gastrocnemius, soleus and popliteus
- The deep compartment contains popliteus, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus and tibialis posterior
Explanation: Answer reason: The posterior compartment of the leg is divided into superficial and deep groups. The deep posterior compartment classically contains tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, and popliteus, matching option D. Option C is incorrect because popliteus is not part of the superficial posterior group (which is gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris). While options A and B are broadly true (tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery supply the compartment), D most precisely tests the defining muscle contents of the deep posterior compartment.
Which is the smallest muscle in the human body?
- Stapes
- Gluteus maximus
- Sartorius
- Stepedius
Explanation: Answer reason: The stapedius (spelled here as "Stepedius") is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body, located in the middle ear. It attaches to the stapes and helps dampen vibrations to protect the inner ear from loud sounds. The other options are either large muscles (gluteus maximus), the longest muscle (sartorius), or a bone (stapes) rather than a muscle.
Which is retroduodenal artery?
- Cystic artery
- Hepatic artery
- Posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery
- Gastroduodenal artery
Explanation: Answer reason: The gastroduodenal artery is classically referred to as the retroduodenal artery because it descends posterior to the first part of the duodenum. It is a branch of the common hepatic artery and gives off the superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries as well as the right gastroepiploic artery. In posterior duodenal ulcers, the gastroduodenal artery is a key vessel at risk of erosion and hemorrhage.
Group of similar cells performing same function is called?
- Organ
- Tissue
- System
- Organism
Explanation: Answer reason: A tissue is defined as a group of similar cells (and their extracellular matrix) working together to perform a specific function, such as muscle tissue contracting or epithelial tissue providing protection/absorption. An organ is composed of two or more tissue types working together for a more complex function. A system is a group of organs, and an organism is the entire living individual.
How many vertebrae are there in a human being?
- 22
- 24
- 33
- 36
Explanation: Answer reason: Humans have 33 vertebrae in total: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal. In adults, the sacral vertebrae fuse to form the sacrum and the coccygeal vertebrae fuse to form the coccyx, but they are still counted as vertebrae. Therefore, the correct total number is 33.
Total number of vertebrae?
- 30
- 35
- 33
- 37
Explanation: Answer reason: Humans have 33 vertebrae in total: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral (fused into the sacrum), and typically 4 coccygeal (often fused). While adults have 24 movable vertebrae, the question asks the total count including fused segments. Therefore, 33 is the best answer among the options.
Thymus gland lies ...?
- Abdominal cavity
- Pelvic cavity
- In the upper parts of mediastinum
- Brain
Explanation: Answer reason: The thymus is located in the anterior superior mediastinum, behind the sternum and above the heart. It is prominent in childhood and involutes after puberty, but its anatomic position remains in the upper mediastinum. Therefore, among the options given, the upper parts of the mediastinum is the correct location.
How many bones are there in the human body?
- 206
- 292
- 199
- 144
Explanation: Answer reason: The standard accepted number of bones in an adult human skeleton is 206. This count reflects fusion that occurs with growth (e.g., skull, sacrum, coccyx), so infants have more bones that later fuse. Therefore, among the options provided, 206 is the correct choice.
Largest cell in human body is?
- Nerve cells
- Red blood cells
- Female ovum
- Platelets cells
Explanation: Answer reason: The female ovum (oocyte) is the largest cell in the human body by diameter/volume, measuring about 100–120 micrometers. Red blood cells and platelets are much smaller, and although some neurons have very long axons, their cell bodies are not the largest by size. Therefore, the best answer is the female ovum.
The skull bone that protects the brain is called –?
- Cranium
- Sternum
- Vertebra
- Mandible
Explanation: Answer reason: The cranium is the portion of the skull that encloses and protects the brain. The mandible forms the lower jaw, the sternum is a chest bone, and vertebrae form the spinal column protecting the spinal cord rather than the brain. Therefore, the correct term for the brain-protecting skull bones is the cranium.
The transverse plane divides the body into?
- Upper and lower
- Right and left
- Front and back
- Side to side
Explanation: Answer reason: The transverse (horizontal/axial) plane cuts across the body at a right angle to the long axis, separating it into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) portions. This contrasts with the sagittal plane (right/left) and the frontal/coronal plane (front/back). Therefore, "Upper and lower" is the single best answer.
How many bones do babies have when they are born?
- Between 100-150
- Between 150-270
- Between 270-350
- Between 350-380
Explanation: Answer reason: Newborns have approximately 270 bones at birth, because many structures are present as separate bony elements (or partially ossified segments) that later fuse. As the child grows, fusion of skull, pelvis, and long-bone elements reduces the count to about 206 bones in adulthood. Therefore, the only range that correctly captures the newborn bone count is 270–350.
The Average Brain Weight of females is ?
- 1198gr
- 1200gr
- 1275gr
- 1205gr
Explanation: Answer reason: In standard anatomy references, the average adult female brain weight is approximately 1.2 kg (about 1200 g), with males averaging higher. Among the options provided, 1200 g best matches this commonly taught value. The other choices are either slightly low (1198 g) or higher values more consistent with male averages (e.g., 1275 g). Therefore, 1200 g is the single best answer.
Which of the following is NOT one of the organelles within a cell?
- Desmosome
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Mitochondrion
- Golgi apparatus
Explanation: Answer reason: Endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and the Golgi apparatus are intracellular organelles found within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. A desmosome is not an organelle; it is a cell junction (specialized intercellular adhesion structure) located in the cell membrane region between adjacent cells. Desmosomes provide mechanical strength and help tissues resist shearing forces, particularly in epithelium and cardiac muscle. Therefore, desmosome is the option that is not an organelle within a cell.
Organ does not grow in size from birth to death?
- Stapes
- Eyes
- Patella
- Ear
Explanation: Answer reason: The stapes (a middle ear ossicle) reaches essentially adult size at birth and shows minimal postnatal growth compared with most other body structures. In contrast, the eyes continue to grow after birth (notably in early childhood), and the external ear enlarges throughout life due to cartilage growth and changes in connective tissue. The patella also develops and enlarges from a cartilaginous template during childhood, so it does not remain the same size from birth to death.
Stomach is an?
- Tissue
- Organ
- Gland
- Cell
Explanation: Answer reason: The stomach is a distinct anatomical structure composed of multiple tissue types (e.g., mucosa, smooth muscle, connective tissue, nerves) working together to perform digestion and mechanical mixing. A structure made of multiple tissues organized to carry out specific functions is classified as an organ. It is not a single tissue, not a single cell, and although it contains glands in its mucosa, the entire stomach is not classified as a gland.
Smallest muscles are found in?
- Ear
- Eye
- Heart
- Fingers
Explanation: Answer reason: The smallest skeletal muscle in the human body is the stapedius, located in the middle ear, where it helps dampen vibrations of the stapes in response to loud sounds. The tensor tympani is another very small middle-ear muscle, but stapedius is classically cited as the smallest overall. Eye muscles are small but not the smallest, and the heart is made of cardiac muscle (much larger). Finger movement is mainly controlled by tendons from forearm muscles, not tiny intrinsic “smallest” muscles.
Which part of the skeleton forms the central axis of the body?
- Appendicular skeleton
- Axial skeleton
- Shoulder girdle
- Pelvic girdle
Explanation: Answer reason: The axial skeleton forms the body’s central axis and includes the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage (ribs and sternum). These structures provide the main framework supporting the head, neck, and trunk and protect vital organs such as the brain, spinal cord, heart, and lungs. In contrast, the appendicular skeleton (including shoulder and pelvic girdles and limbs) is primarily for movement and attachment to the axial framework.
Meaning of anatomy is?
- Study of human body parts
- Study of microbes
- Study of plants
- None of these
Explanation: Answer reason: Anatomy is the branch of science concerned with the structure of organisms, particularly the physical structures and parts of the human body. It focuses on identifying and describing body parts and their relationships (e.g., organs, tissues, and systems). In contrast, the study of microbes is microbiology and the study of plants is botany. Therefore, the best answer is the study of human body parts.
The umbilical arteries arise from?
- Internal iliac arteries
- External iliac arteries
- Abdominal aorta
- Femoral arteries
Explanation: Answer reason: The paired umbilical arteries are fetal vessels that originate from the anterior division of the internal iliac arteries and carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta. After birth, their distal portions obliterate to form the medial umbilical ligaments, while proximal portions persist as superior vesical arteries. External iliac, femoral, and the abdominal aorta are not the direct origins of the umbilical arteries.
Hyoid is a bone of -?
- Femur
- Tongue
- Radius
- Scapula
Explanation: Answer reason: The hyoid is a U-shaped bone in the anterior neck that serves as an anchoring structure for the tongue and for muscles of the floor of the mouth and larynx. It is classically described as the bone of the tongue because it supports tongue movement and swallowing. It is not part of the femur (thigh), radius (forearm), or scapula (shoulder girdle).
Smallest muscles ____?
- Stapies
- Femur
- Stapedius
- All
Explanation: Answer reason: The smallest skeletal muscle in the human body is the stapedius, located in the middle ear. It stabilizes the stapes bone and dampens excessive vibrations to protect hearing from loud sounds (acoustic reflex). The other options are incorrect because the femur is a bone, “Stapies” is a misspelling (and refers to a bone, not a muscle), and therefore “All” cannot be correct.
Which bone is located in Chest?
- Sternum
- Chin
- Hyoid bone
- Ribs
Explanation: Answer reason: The sternum (breastbone) is a flat bone located in the anterior midline of the chest and forms the central part of the thoracic cage. It articulates with the clavicles and the costal cartilages of the upper ribs, helping protect the heart and great vessels. The chin is part of the mandible (face) and the hyoid bone is in the neck, not the chest. While ribs are also in the chest, the question asks for a single bone; the sternum is the classic named chest bone.
Lungs are protected by?
- Skull
- Ribs
- Spine
- Pelvis
Explanation: Answer reason: The lungs lie in the thoracic cavity and are protected primarily by the rib cage (ribs, costal cartilages, and sternum). The skull protects the brain, the pelvis protects pelvic organs, and while the spine contributes to the thoracic cage posteriorly, the best single answer for lung protection is the ribs. Therefore, "Ribs" is the most accurate option.
How many bones in newly born infant?
- 206
- 250
- 300
- 305
Explanation: Answer reason: A newborn has approximately 300 bones because many skeletal elements are still separate (e.g., skull plates, segments of the sacrum and coccyx). As the child grows, ossification and fusion occur, reducing the total count. This is why adults typically have 206 bones.
Pinna (external ear) is made up of?
- Muscles
- Cartilage
- Fibers
- Bone
Explanation: Answer reason: The pinna (auricle) of the external ear is primarily composed of elastic cartilage covered by skin, which provides flexibility and helps funnel sound toward the external auditory canal. It is not made of bone; bony structures are deeper (e.g., parts of the ear canal/temporal bone). While small muscles attach to the auricle, they do not form its main structural framework. Therefore, cartilage is the best answer.
Which of the following is the vestigial bony part of the human skeleton?
- Cranium
- Coccyx
- Cervical
- Clavicle
Explanation: Answer reason: The coccyx (tailbone) is a vestigial structure in humans, representing the remnant of an ancestral tail. It has limited function compared with its evolutionary predecessor, serving mainly as an attachment site for ligaments and pelvic floor muscles. The cranium and clavicle are fully functional bones, and “cervical” refers to a region (e.g., cervical vertebrae) rather than a vestigial bone.
Larynx is a modified portion of?
- Pharynx
- Trachea
- Bronchus
- Lungs
Explanation: Answer reason: The larynx is anatomically continuous with and located immediately inferior to the pharynx, forming the connection between the pharynx and the trachea. It is often described as a specialized/modified part of the upper airway at the pharyngeal end that houses the vocal cords and protects the lower respiratory tract during swallowing. In contrast, the trachea and bronchi are lower-airway conducting tubes rather than the structure from which the larynx is considered modified. Therefore, the best answer is pharynx.
U shape bone present at the base of buccal cavity is?
- Skull
- Hyoid
- Incus
- Stapes
Explanation: Answer reason: The hyoid is a U-shaped bone located in the anterior neck at the base of the tongue/buccal cavity region. It provides attachment for tongue and suprahyoid/infrahyoid muscles and supports the larynx. Incus and stapes are middle ear ossicles, and “skull” is not a specific U-shaped bone at this location.
The common passage of food & air is called ________?
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Oral cavity
- Non of these
Explanation: Answer reason: The pharynx is a shared pathway for both the respiratory and digestive systems: air passes from the nasal/oral cavity through the pharynx to the larynx/trachea, and food passes through the pharynx to the esophagus. The larynx is primarily an airway structure involved in voice production and protecting the lower airway, not a common passage for food. The oral cavity is the entry for food and can allow air passage, but it is not the shared conduit where both systems overlap like the pharynx.
The number of ribs in Human Body is?
- 10
- 12
- 18
- 24
Explanation: Answer reason: Humans typically have 12 pairs of ribs, for a total of 24 ribs. These include 7 pairs of true ribs, 3 pairs of false ribs, and 2 pairs of floating ribs. While anatomical variants can occur (e.g., cervical ribs or missing ribs), the standard adult anatomy count tested is 24.
The bone that forms back of the head is?
- Temporal
- Sphenoid
- Parietal
- Occipital
Explanation: Answer reason: The occipital bone forms the posterior aspect (back) of the skull and includes the foramen magnum. The temporal bones are mainly on the sides of the skull near the ears, the parietal bones form the roof and upper sides, and the sphenoid is a central skull-base bone. Therefore, the best answer is occipital.
Total number of bone in human ear ...?
- 5
- 8
- 7
- 6
Explanation: Answer reason: Each human ear contains three auditory ossicles in the middle ear: malleus, incus, and stapes. Since there are two ears, the total number of these ear bones in the human body is 3 × 2 = 6. The other listed numbers do not match standard anatomy for the ossicles and their bilateral presence.
The largest organ in the body is what?
- Liver
- Kidney
- Skin
- Heart
Explanation: Answer reason: Skin is the largest organ of the human body by surface area and weight. The liver is the largest internal organ, but it is smaller than the skin when considering the whole organ. Kidneys and the heart are smaller organs.
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