Anatomy and physiology is 8 of the 150 scored items on the NHA CCMA. Answer 10 exam style questions on anatomy and physiology and see exactly which concepts would cost you points on test day.
Start the 10 questions →What is the basic structural and functional unit of all living things?
These questions cover body organization, integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous system and special senses. Each one shows the correct answer and why every other option is wrong, so a miss tells you exactly what to review before the CCMA.
Prefer to read first? Every question from the practice set above, with the correct answer and why each wrong option is wrong.
Answer: A. The cell is the smallest unit of life. Cells form tissues, tissues form organs, and organs work together in organ systems.
Why not B: Organ systems are groups of organs.
Why not C: Organs are made of different tissues.
Why not D: Tissues are groups of similar cells.
Exam tactic: Cell → tissue → organ → system → organism.
Answer: A. The epidermis is the outer, avascular layer. The dermis beneath contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands, and the subcutaneous layer contains fat.
Why not B: The subcutaneous layer is below the dermis.
Why not C: The dermis lies beneath the epidermis.
Why not D: Muscle is not a layer of the skin.
Exam tactic: Epi = upon. Epidermis on top.
Answer: B. Tendons attach muscles to bones. Ligaments connect bone to bone, cartilage cushions joints, and bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction.
Why not A: Cartilage cushions and covers joint surfaces.
Why not C: Bursae reduce friction around joints.
Why not D: Ligaments connect bone to bone.
Exam tactic: Tendon: muscle to bone. Ligament: bone to bone.
Answer: D. The central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes the cranial and spinal nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
Why not A: Heart and vessels are cardiovascular.
Why not B: Cranial and spinal nerves are peripheral.
Why not C: Sense organs connect through peripheral nerves.
Exam tactic: CNS = brain + cord.
Answer: D. The retina lines the back of the eye and contains rods (dim light) and cones (color and detail), which send signals through the optic nerve.
Why not A: The cornea is the clear front surface that bends light.
Why not B: The lens focuses light onto the retina.
Why not C: The iris is the colored part that controls pupil size.
Exam tactic: Retina = the eye's film.
Answer: A. The mitral valve is between the left atrium and left ventricle. The tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and right ventricle; the pulmonary and aortic valves guard the outflow tracts.
Why not B: The tricuspid valve is on the right side.
Why not C: The pulmonary valve opens to the pulmonary artery.
Why not D: The aortic valve opens to the aorta.
Exam tactic: Tri on the right, mitral (bi) on the left.
Answer: A. The lymphatic system collects excess tissue fluid (lymph) and returns it to the bloodstream, and its lymph nodes filter pathogens and house immune cells. It also absorbs dietary fats.
Why not B: The heart pumps blood.
Why not C: The kidneys filter blood to form urine.
Why not D: Digestive enzymes come from the pancreas and gut.
Exam tactic: Lymph: drainage + defense.
Answer: A. Type O negative red cells have no A, B, or Rh(D) antigens, so they are unlikely to be attacked by a recipient's antibodies in an emergency. AB positive individuals are considered universal recipients.
Why not B: The universal recipient is AB positive.
Why not C: Type O plasma actually contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
Why not D: Blood type does not determine clotting speed.
Exam tactic: O neg gives to all. AB pos receives from all.
Answer: C. The thoracic cavity, above the diaphragm, contains the heart (in the mediastinum) and lungs (in the pleural cavities).
Why not A: The abdominal cavity holds the stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs.
Why not B: The cranial cavity holds the brain.
Why not D: The pelvic cavity holds the bladder and reproductive organs.
Exam tactic: The diaphragm separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Answer: B. Sebaceous glands, usually associated with hair follicles, secrete sebum that lubricates skin and hair. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat.
Why not A: Sudoriferous glands produce sweat.
Why not C: Lacrimal glands produce tears.
Why not D: Mammary glands produce milk.
Exam tactic: Sebaceous = sebum (oil). Sudoriferous = sweat.
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