100+ Free HESI A2 A&P Practice Questions

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Question 1

Score: 0/0

Which segment of the nephron is the primary site of reabsorption of water, glucose, and amino acids?

Collecting duct

Proximal convoluted tubule

Distal convoluted tubule

Descending limb of loop of Henle

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: HESI A2 A&P Exam

Questions on the A&P section

Elsevier handbook

25 min

Section time limit

Elsevier handbook

75-80%+

Typical program cut score

Nursing-program minimums

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

Elsevier's HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology section delivers about 30 multiple-choice items in 25 minutes, covering all 10 body systems with heavy weighting on cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems for 2026 nursing-school applicants.

Sample HESI A2 A&P Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your HESI A2 A&P exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands?

A.Epidermis

B.Dermis

C.Hypodermis

D.Stratum corneum

Explanation: The dermis is the middle layer of skin and houses blood vessels, sensory nerves, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. It supplies nutrients to the avascular epidermis above it and provides the skin's strength and elasticity through collagen and elastin fibers.

2What is the primary protein that gives the epidermis its waterproof, protective quality?

A.Collagen

B.Elastin

C.Keratin

D.Melanin

Explanation: Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein produced by keratinocytes in the epidermis. As keratinocytes migrate toward the surface, they fill with keratin and die, forming the protective, water-resistant stratum corneum.

3Which cells in the epidermis produce pigment that absorbs ultraviolet radiation?

A.Keratinocytes

B.Melanocytes

C.Langerhans cells

D.Merkel cells

Explanation: Melanocytes are located in the stratum basale of the epidermis and produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Melanin absorbs UV radiation and protects the DNA of underlying cells from mutation.

4Sebaceous glands secrete which substance?

A.Sweat

B.Sebum

C.Cerumen

D.Mucus

Explanation: Sebaceous glands are exocrine glands that secrete sebum, an oily lipid mixture that lubricates the skin and hair and has antimicrobial properties. They typically empty into hair follicles.

5Which type of sweat gland is most numerous and produces a watery secretion for thermoregulation?

A.Apocrine

B.Eccrine

C.Sebaceous

D.Ceruminous

Explanation: Eccrine sweat glands are distributed over nearly the entire body surface and secrete a watery sweat directly onto the skin. Evaporation of this sweat cools the body, making eccrine glands central to thermoregulation.

6Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?

A.Vitamin D synthesis

B.Thermoregulation

C.Production of red blood cells

D.Protection from pathogens

Explanation: Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are produced in red bone marrow, not the skin. The skin's main functions include protection, thermoregulation, sensation, excretion of waste through sweat, and synthesis of vitamin D3 in response to UVB radiation.

7In which sublayer of the epidermis does active cell division (mitosis) primarily occur?

A.Stratum corneum

B.Stratum granulosum

C.Stratum spinosum

D.Stratum basale

Explanation: The stratum basale (also called stratum germinativum) is the deepest layer of the epidermis and contains stem cells that continuously divide by mitosis. New keratinocytes generated here migrate upward through the other layers, eventually becoming the dead surface cells of the stratum corneum.

8A second-degree burn involves damage to which layer(s) of the skin?

A.Epidermis only

B.Epidermis and part of the dermis

C.Full dermis and hypodermis

D.Underlying muscle and bone

Explanation: A second-degree (partial-thickness) burn damages the entire epidermis and a portion of the dermis. Blisters, pain, and redness are typical because nerve endings are exposed but dermal accessory structures usually survive, allowing skin regeneration.

9How many bones are in the adult human skeleton?

A.186

B.206

C.226

D.256

Explanation: The adult human skeleton contains 206 bones. Infants are born with approximately 270 bones, many of which fuse during growth (for example, the sacrum and the bones of the skull).

10Which of the following is part of the axial skeleton?

A.Femur

B.Clavicle

C.Vertebral column

D.Scapula

Explanation: The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum — the bones along the body's central axis. It supports and protects the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs.

About the HESI A2 A&P Exam

The HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology section is one of the most challenging subsections of Elsevier's HESI Admission Assessment. It tests applicants on the structure and function of all major body systems with an emphasis on cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine content.

Questions

30 scored questions

Time Limit

25 minutes

Passing Score

School set (commonly 75-80%+)

Exam Fee

Bundled in HESI A2 registration ($50-120) (Elsevier / nursing school testing centers)

HESI A2 A&P Exam Content Outline

High

Cardiovascular System

Heart chambers, valves, blood-flow path, vessels, cardiac cycle

High

Nervous System

CNS/PNS, neurons, neurotransmitters, reflex arcs, brain regions

High

Endocrine System

Glands, hormones, target organs, negative-feedback loops

Medium

Respiratory System

Gas exchange, ventilation mechanics, alveoli

Medium

Musculoskeletal

Bones, muscles, joints, types of movement

Medium

Other Body Systems

Integumentary, digestive, urinary, lymphatic/immune, reproductive

How to Pass the HESI A2 A&P Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: School set (commonly 75-80%+)
Exam length: 30 questions
Time limit: 25 minutes
Exam fee: Bundled in HESI A2 registration ($50-120)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

HESI A2 A&P Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the heart's chambers, valves, and blood-flow path — this is high yield

2Build a hormone-gland-target table for endocrine review

3Use flashcards for cranial nerves and brain regions

4Practice with system-based question sets, not random review

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the HESI A2 A&P section?

Elsevier specifies 30 multiple-choice items per the HESI A2 handbook. Practice with extra questions is recommended because many programs weight A&P heavily.

What body systems are tested most?

Cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems are the highest-yield areas. Respiratory and musculoskeletal also appear regularly.

Is the HESI A2 A&P required for all nursing programs?

No. Programs select required sections. Many BSN and ADN programs require A&P specifically, but some do not. Check your program's section list.

How long is the A&P section?

Elsevier specifies 25 minutes for the A&P subsection.