Anatomy Practice Test 14
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 14th 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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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 14
What is the odontoid process also known as?
- Atlas
- Axis
- Dens
- Cervical spine
Explanation: Answer reason: The odontoid process is the peg-like bony projection arising from the second cervical vertebra (C2), and it is specifically called the dens. It acts as a pivot that allows rotation of the atlas (C1) and the skull. "Axis" refers to the entire C2 vertebra, not the odontoid process itself, and "atlas" is C1.
To assess the popliteal pulse the nurse palpates?
- Behind the knee
- The side of head
- The wrist
- The side of the neck
Explanation: Answer reason: The popliteal pulse is palpated in the popliteal fossa, located posterior to the knee joint. This site overlies the popliteal artery as it passes through the fossa. The other options correspond to different arterial pulse points: temporal (side of head), radial (wrist), and carotid (side of neck). Therefore, palpating behind the knee is the correct technique to assess the popliteal pulse.
Gastrointestinal GIT track consist of?
- 2 Layers
- 3 Layers
- 4 Layers
- 5 Layers
Explanation: Answer reason: The gastrointestinal tract wall is classically described as having four histologic layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa/adventitia. This four-layer organization is a standard anatomy concept across most of the alimentary canal. Therefore, the best answer is 4 layers.
What does cranuim protect?
- Brain
- Lungs
- Heart
- Bladder
Explanation: Answer reason: The cranium is the portion of the skull that encloses the cranial cavity and protects the brain. Its bones form a rigid case that helps prevent direct mechanical injury to brain tissue. Lungs and heart are protected primarily by the rib cage (thoracic cage), and the bladder lies in the pelvis, protected by pelvic bones.
How many ribs does the human body typically have?
- 24
- 12
- 18
- 20
Explanation: Answer reason: Humans typically have 12 pairs of ribs, totaling 24 ribs. These include 7 true ribs, 3 false ribs, and 2 floating ribs on each side. While anatomical variants can occur (e.g., cervical ribs), the standard adult count is 24.
Middle superior alveolar nerve is a branch of?
- Palatine division of maxillary nerve
- Inferior alveolar nerve
- Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve
- Infra orbital portion of maxillary nerve
Explanation: Answer reason: The middle superior alveolar nerve typically arises from the infraorbital nerve, which is a continuation/branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2) within the infraorbital canal. It provides sensory innervation to the maxillary premolars and often contributes to the maxillary sinus mucosa. It is therefore not related to the mandibular division (V3) or the inferior alveolar nerve (a V3 branch), and it is not a palatine nerve branch.
Which bone does not articulate with any other bone in the body?
- Scapula
- Hyoid
- Radius
- Femur
Explanation: Answer reason: The hyoid bone is unique because it does not form synovial joints with other bones; it is suspended in the neck by muscles and ligaments. In contrast, the scapula articulates with the humerus and clavicle, the radius articulates at the elbow and wrist, and the femur articulates with the pelvis and tibia. Therefore, the only bone listed that does not articulate with any other bone is the hyoid.
Baby may not take breast feeding in this condition -?
- Congenital heart disease
- Cleft palate
- Anemia
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: Effective breastfeeding requires the infant to create a tight seal and generate negative intraoral pressure to suck and swallow. A cleft palate prevents adequate suction and allows milk to reflux into the nasal cavity, leading to poor latch, ineffective feeding, and aspiration risk. While congenital heart disease can cause fatigue with feeds, many infants can still breastfeed with support; anemia typically does not directly prevent latch/suction. Therefore, cleft palate is the best answer.
The Closure of Posterior fontanelles takes place at the time of-?
- 1 week
- 12 week
- 6-8 week
- 10 week
Explanation: Answer reason: The posterior fontanelle normally closes earlier than the anterior fontanelle, typically by about 6–8 weeks of age (around 2 months). This reflects normal ossification and fusion of cranial sutures in early infancy. Later closure times (e.g., 10–12 weeks) are less consistent with the standard pediatric anatomy timeline for the posterior fontanelle. Therefore, 6–8 weeks is the best answer.
The longest bone in the human body is?
- Humerus
- Radius
- Femur
- Tibia
Explanation: Answer reason: The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, extending from the hip to the knee. It provides major structural support for weight bearing and locomotion. The humerus is the longest bone of the upper limb but is shorter than the femur, while the radius and tibia are also shorter long bones.
Spinal anesthesia is given at –?
- L1 – L2
- L2 – L3
- L3 – L4
- L4 – L5
Explanation: Answer reason: Spinal anesthesia is administered below the level where the spinal cord typically ends (conus medullaris), which in adults is around L1–L2. Therefore, clinicians choose lower lumbar interspaces—most commonly L3–L4 (or L4–L5)—to minimize the risk of direct spinal cord injury. Among the options, L3–L4 is the standard single best answer for the typical spinal (subarachnoid) block site.
The largest organ of the body is —?
- Liver
- Heart
- Stomach
- Skin
Explanation: Answer reason: The skin is the largest organ of the human body when considering total surface area and overall mass. It serves as a protective barrier, helps regulate temperature, and provides sensory input. While the liver is the largest internal organ, it is not the largest organ overall.
The closure of posterior fontanelles takes place at-?
- 18 months
- 6 months
- 1 month
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: The posterior fontanelle normally closes early in infancy, typically by about 6–8 weeks (around 2 months). Among the provided choices, "1 month" is the closest and best answer. "6 months" is too late for the posterior fontanelle, and "18 months" corresponds more to the anterior fontanelle closure timing. Therefore, option C best fits normal developmental anatomy.
The largest part of the human brain is —?
- Cerebellum
- Cerebrum
- Medulla
- Hypothalamus
Explanation: Answer reason: The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, comprising the two cerebral hemispheres and making up the majority of brain mass. It is responsible for higher cognitive functions, voluntary motor control, sensory perception, and language. The cerebellum is smaller and primarily coordinates balance and movement, while the medulla and hypothalamus are small but vital regions involved in autonomic control and homeostasis.
The brain is protected by —?
- Skull
- Ribs
- Spine
- Cartilage
Explanation: Answer reason: The brain is enclosed within the cranial cavity, formed by the bones of the skull (cranium), which provides rigid mechanical protection. The ribs protect thoracic organs such as the heart and lungs, while the spine protects the spinal cord rather than the brain. Cartilage provides flexible support in structures like the nose and joints and does not serve as the primary protective casing for the brain.
The meninges are —?
- Brain hormones
- Protective membranes around brain and spinal cord
- Nerve fibers
- Brain lobes
Explanation: Answer reason: The meninges consist of three layers—dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater—that envelop the brain and spinal cord. Their primary roles are protection, support of blood vessels, and containment of cerebrospinal fluid within the subarachnoid space. They are not hormones, nerve fibers, or subdivisions (lobes) of the brain.
The total number of milk teeth in children is?
- 16
- 20
- 24
- 28
Explanation: Answer reason: Primary (deciduous/milk) dentition consists of 20 teeth total. There are 10 teeth in the maxillary arch and 10 in the mandibular arch. This includes incisors, canines, and molars (no premolars in primary dentition). Therefore, 20 is the correct total number of milk teeth in children.
Diaphragm is an example of?
- A bone
- A muscle
- A ligament
- A cartilage
Explanation: Answer reason: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It is the primary muscle of respiration, contracting to increase thoracic volume and facilitate inhalation. It is not a bone, ligament (connects bone to bone), or cartilage (supportive connective tissue).
Which of following is related to Medial surface of Thyroid Gland?
- Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
- Sternothyroid Muscle
- Parathyroid Gland
- Superior Thyroid Artery
Explanation: Answer reason: The medial surface of each thyroid lobe is related to the larynx and trachea and is closely associated with the groove between the trachea and esophagus, where the recurrent laryngeal nerve ascends. This relationship is clinically important in thyroid surgery because traction or ligation near the gland can injure the nerve and cause hoarseness. Sternothyroid is an anterior/lateral strap muscle relation, parathyroids are on the posterior aspect, and the superior thyroid artery is mainly related to the superior pole rather than the medial surface.
Liver is the largest?
- Bone
- Gland
- Muscle
- Organ
Explanation: Answer reason: The liver is the largest gland in the human body, with major exocrine function (bile production) and endocrine/metabolic roles via secretion into the bloodstream. While it is also a large organ, the question is asking for its classification as the “largest” within a body structure category. Therefore, “Gland” is the best single answer. The other options (bone, muscle) are incorrect categories for the liver.
Lungs are protected by?
- Rib cage
- Skull
- Pelvis
- Vertebrae
Explanation: Answer reason: The lungs lie within the thoracic cavity and are primarily protected by the rib cage (ribs and sternum), which forms a bony enclosure around the chest. The skull protects the brain, and the pelvis protects pelvic organs such as the bladder and reproductive organs. Vertebrae protect the spinal cord and provide posterior support but do not form the main protective cage around the lungs.
What is the longest bone in the human body?
- Tibia
- Femur
- Radius
- Humerus
Explanation: Answer reason: The femur (thigh bone) is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, spanning from the hip to the knee and bearing a large portion of body weight. The tibia is long but shorter than the femur and lies below the knee. The humerus and radius are upper-limb bones and are also shorter than the femur. Therefore, the best answer is femur.
Total number of Axial bone in adult human body?
- 126
- 80
- 206
- 250
Explanation: Answer reason: The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage (ribs and sternum), which together total 80 bones in the adult. Specifically, it includes 22 skull bones (plus associated bones in standard counts), 26 vertebrae in the adult spine, and 24 ribs plus the sternum. The remaining bones up to 206 belong to the appendicular skeleton (limbs and girdles). Therefore, 80 is the correct total for axial bones.
The skull consists of how many cranial bones?
- 12
- 8
- 22
- 31
Explanation: Answer reason: The cranium (neurocranium) is made up of 8 bones: frontal (1), parietal (2), temporal (2), occipital (1), sphenoid (1), and ethmoid (1). The number 22 refers to the total skull bones (8 cranial + 14 facial). Therefore, the correct count of cranial bones is 8.
Which one is not a part of large intestine?
- Rectum
- Caecum
- Ilium
- Colon
Explanation: Answer reason: The large intestine includes the cecum, colon (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid), rectum, and anal canal. The ileum (spelled in the option as “Ilium”) is the terminal part of the small intestine, located proximal to the ileocecal valve. Therefore it is not part of the large intestine, unlike the rectum, cecum, and colon which are all components of the large bowel.
Hyoid bone is shaped?
- E shaped
- V shaped
- U shaped
- C shaped
Explanation: Answer reason: The hyoid bone is classically described as U-shaped (horseshoe-shaped), consisting of a body with paired greater and lesser horns (cornua). This configuration provides attachment points for tongue and suprahyoid/infrahyoid muscles and helps support the larynx. The other letter shapes listed do not match standard anatomical descriptions of the hyoid.
What is the shape of a human kidney?
- Oval
- Bean-shaped
- Spherical
- Cylindrical
Explanation: Answer reason: Human kidneys are classically described as bean-shaped (reniform), with a concave medial border called the hilum. This indentation is where the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter enter/exit. The other listed shapes (oval, spherical, cylindrical) do not match the typical gross anatomical description of the kidney.
What is the smallest organ in the human body?
- Heart
- Pineal gland
- Liver
- Kidney
Explanation: Answer reason: Among the listed choices, the pineal gland is a very small endocrine organ in the brain, typically only a few millimeters in size. The heart, liver, and kidneys are all much larger organs with substantial mass and volume. While some sources cite the pineal gland as the smallest organ (as opposed to the smallest gland or smallest endocrine organ), it is clearly the smallest option provided.
Flat bones are found in?
- Skull
- Fingers
- Toes
- Vertebrae
Explanation: Answer reason: Flat bones are broad, thin bones that primarily provide protection and large surfaces for muscle attachment. Classic examples include cranial bones of the skull (e.g., parietal and frontal bones), sternum, ribs, and scapulae. Fingers and toes are composed mainly of phalanges (long bones), while vertebrae are irregular bones. Therefore, the skull is the best answer.
The roof of the mouth is made of the?
- Soft palate
- Hard palate
- Tongue
- Uvula
Explanation: Answer reason: The roof of the mouth is the palate, which consists of an anterior bony portion (hard palate) and a posterior muscular portion (soft palate). In basic anatomy questions, “roof of the mouth” most commonly refers to the hard palate forming the anterior roof of the oral cavity. The soft palate is the posterior continuation, while the uvula is a midline projection from the soft palate, and the tongue forms the floor of the mouth.
Which bone connects the sternum to the scapula?
- Humerus
- Clavicle
- Radius
- Ulna
Explanation: Answer reason: The clavicle (collarbone) is the only bony connection between the axial skeleton and the shoulder girdle. Medially it articulates with the sternum at the sternoclavicular joint, and laterally it articulates with the scapula at the acromioclavicular joint. The humerus connects to the scapula at the glenohumeral joint, while the radius and ulna are forearm bones and do not connect to the sternum.
Besides the brain, the skull also protects?
- The lungs
- The diaphragm
- The body’s cells
- The sense organs
Explanation: Answer reason: The skull encloses and protects not only the brain but also several major sense organs located in the head. The bony orbits protect the eyes, and the temporal bone houses structures of hearing and balance (inner ear). In contrast, the lungs and diaphragm are protected primarily by the thoracic cage, and “the body’s cells” is too nonspecific for a skeletal protection function.
Name the hardest substance of the body?
- The Enamel of teeth
- The skin
- The skull
- The thigh bone
Explanation: Answer reason: Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body because it is highly mineralized (predominantly hydroxyapatite crystals), giving it exceptional hardness and wear resistance for mastication. Bone (including skull and femur/thigh bone) is strong but contains more organic matrix and is less mineral-dense than enamel. Skin is a soft tissue and is not comparable in hardness to mineralized tissues. Therefore enamel is clearly the single best answer.
Pituitary Gland is Located in?
- Intestine
- Kidney
- Liver
- Brain
Explanation: Answer reason: The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland located at the base of the brain, sitting in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone and connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk. It releases hormones such as TSH that regulate peripheral endocrine organs like the thyroid. Therefore, among the listed options, the correct location is the brain.
The cheek bone is -?
- Zygomatic
- Maxilla
- Temporal
- Mandible
Explanation: Answer reason: The zygomatic bones form the prominence of the cheeks and contribute to the lateral wall and floor of the orbit. They articulate with the maxilla, temporal, frontal, and sphenoid bones. The maxilla forms the upper jaw, the temporal bone is part of the skull base and lateral cranium, and the mandible forms the lower jaw.
Brain is divided into how many main parts?
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Explanation: Answer reason: In basic anatomy, the brain is commonly described as having three main parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. This high-level division is widely taught in introductory nursing and anatomy courses. The other numeric options do not match this standard “main parts” grouping.
Number of bones in a newborn baby?
- 270
- 300
- 280
- 260
Explanation: Answer reason: A newborn has approximately 300 bones because many skeletal elements are still separate pieces of cartilage and unfused ossification centers. As the child grows, several bones fuse (e.g., skull plates, sacral vertebrae, and pelvic components), reducing the total count. This is why adults typically have about 206 bones, whereas newborns have a higher number.
Which one of the following is beauty bone?
- Sternum
- Clavicle
- Maxilla
- Radius
Explanation: Answer reason: The clavicle is commonly referred to as the "beauty bone" because it is a prominent, visible bone at the base of the neck and contributes to the contour/appearance of the shoulder and neckline. It also functions as a strut that supports shoulder position, making its prominence noticeable in many individuals. The sternum, maxilla, and radius are not commonly known by this nickname.
Where is the antecubital fossa located?
- A depression in the bend of the knee
- A depression in the scalp
- A depression in the bend of the elbow
- None of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: The antecubital fossa is the triangular depression on the anterior aspect of the elbow, commonly referred to as the “bend of the elbow.” It contains important neurovascular structures such as the brachial artery and median nerve, and superficial veins used for venipuncture. The bend of the knee is the popliteal fossa, and the scalp does not have an antecubital fossa.
Which of these is NOT a salivary gland?
- Parotid
- Sublingual
- Submandibular
- Pituitary
Explanation: Answer reason: The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, all of which secrete saliva into the oral cavity. The pituitary gland is not a salivary gland; it is an endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It releases hormones that regulate other endocrine organs rather than producing saliva.
The plantaris muscle is found in which part of the body?
- Hand
- Foot
- Leg
- Arm
Explanation: Answer reason: The plantaris is a small superficial muscle located in the posterior compartment of the leg, arising near the lateral supracondylar line of the femur and inserting via a long tendon toward the calcaneus/Achilles region. Although its tendon courses toward the heel, the muscle belly is anatomically in the leg (calf region). Therefore, among the options, "Leg" is the most accurate location.
Which part of body is called voice box?
- Larynx
- Pharynx
- Trachea
- Bronchus
Explanation: Answer reason: The larynx is called the "voice box" because it contains the vocal folds (vocal cords) that vibrate to produce sound during exhalation. It sits between the pharynx and the trachea and also helps protect the airway during swallowing via the epiglottis and related reflexes. The pharynx is primarily a shared passageway for air and food, while the trachea and bronchi conduct air but do not house the vocal cords.
What is the outermost layer of the meninges?
- Dura mater
- Pia mater
- Arachnoid mater
- Choroid plexus
Explanation: Answer reason: The meninges consist of three layers arranged from superficial to deep: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The dura mater is the tough, fibrous outermost covering lining the inner surface of the skull and vertebral canal. Arachnoid and pia are progressively deeper, with pia closely adhering to the brain surface. The choroid plexus is not a meningeal layer; it produces cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles.
Normally the umbilical cord contains how many arteries and veins?
- 2 veins and 1 artery
- 1 vein and 1 artery
- 2 arteries and 2 veins
- 2 arteries and 1 vein
Explanation: Answer reason: A normal umbilical cord has three vessels: two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus, while the two arteries return deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta. A single umbilical artery is a recognized abnormal variant associated with congenital anomalies and warrants further evaluation.
Muscles are classified as?
- Skeletal
- Smooth
- Cardiac
- All of these
Explanation: Answer reason: Muscle tissue is commonly classified into three types: skeletal muscle (voluntary, striated), smooth muscle (involuntary, nonstriated), and cardiac muscle (involuntary, striated, found in the heart). Since each of options A, B, and C is a valid type of muscle, the best single choice is that all listed types are included. This is a foundational anatomy classification of muscle tissue.
The innermost layer of the uterus is known as ...?
- Myometrium
- Perimetrium
- Endometrium
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: The uterine wall has three main layers: the endometrium (inner mucosal lining), the myometrium (middle smooth muscle layer), and the perimetrium (outer serosal layer). The innermost layer that undergoes cyclic changes and supports implantation is the endometrium. Therefore, "Endometrium" is the correct answer.
All are parts of brainstem except?
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Cerebellum
- Medulla oblongata
Explanation: Answer reason: The brainstem is anatomically composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. The cerebellum is a separate hindbrain structure that lies posterior to the pons and medulla and connects via the cerebellar peduncles. Therefore, cerebellum is the option that is not part of the brainstem.
What is the hardest part of the human body?
- Skull
- Teeth
- Bone
- Skin
Explanation: Answer reason: The hardest substance in the human body is tooth enamel, which covers the crown of the teeth. Enamel is highly mineralized (primarily hydroxyapatite) and is harder than bone, skull, or skin. While the skull is made of bone, bone is less mineral-dense and therefore less hard than enamel. Thus, among the options, “Teeth” is the best answer because it corresponds to enamel.
Largest internal organ in the human body is-?
- Liver
- Heart
- Lungs
- Brain
Explanation: Answer reason: The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body by mass. While the skin is the largest organ overall, it is an external organ, not an internal one. Compared with the brain, lungs, and heart, the liver typically weighs the most in adults (about 1.2–1.6 kg). Therefore, the correct choice is Liver.
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