🧍 NCLEX Anatomy MCQs (Part 1)
Preparing for the NCLEX exam requires more than just reading textbooks — it needs practical practice with MCQs that reflect real exam standards. Anatomy is one of the most tested areas in NCLEX, forming the foundation for physiology, pathology, and nursing practice.
In this guide, we have compiled 50 carefully designed NCLEX Anatomy MCQs with detailed answers and explanations. These questions are not only useful for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN candidates, but also for medical students, nursing students, and allied health professionals worldwide.
1. What is the structural and functional unit of the kidney?
A) Neuron
B) Nephron
C) Alveolus
D) Glomerulus
Correct Answer: B) Nephron
Explanation: The nephron is the kidney’s functional unit that filters blood, removes waste, and forms urine.
2. Which bone is the longest in the human body?
A) Tibia
B) Femur
C) Humerus
D) Radius
Correct Answer: B) Femur
Explanation: The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone, supporting body weight during standing and walking.
3. Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
A) Cerebrum
B) Medulla oblongata
C) Cerebellum
D) Hypothalamus
Correct Answer: C) Cerebellum
Explanation: The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements, posture, and balance.
4. The human heart has how many chambers?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Correct Answer: C) 4
Explanation: The heart has four chambers: two atria (upper) and two ventricles (lower), responsible for pumping oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
5. Which type of joint is the shoulder joint?
A) Hinge joint
B) Ball-and-socket joint
C) Pivot joint
D) Saddle joint
Correct Answer: B) Ball-and-socket joint
Explanation: The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, allowing rotation and wide movement.
6. What is the main function of red blood cells?
A) Fighting infection
B) Transporting oxygen
C) Blood clotting
D) Producing hormones
Correct Answer: B) Transporting oxygen
Explanation: RBCs contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the lungs and carries it to body tissues.
7. The diaphragm plays a major role in:
A) Digestion
B) Breathing
C) Blood circulation
D) Hormone secretion
Correct Answer: B) Breathing
Explanation: The diaphragm contracts and relaxes to help expand the lungs during inhalation and exhalation.
8. Which organ detoxifies harmful substances in the body?
A) Heart
B) Liver
C) Kidney
D) Spleen
Correct Answer: B) Liver
Explanation: The liver detoxifies drugs, chemicals, and toxins while producing bile for digestion.
9. The functional unit of the nervous system is:
A) Nephron
B) Neuron
C) Axon
D) Synapse
Correct Answer: B) Neuron
Explanation: Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system, transmitting electrical impulses.
10. Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?
A) Epidermis
B) Dermis
C) Hypodermis
D) Stratum corneum
Correct Answer: B) Dermis
Explanation: The dermis provides strength, elasticity, and houses nerves, blood vessels, and sweat glands.
11. The smallest bone in the human body is found in the:
A) Nose
B) Middle ear
C) Fingers
D) Feet
Correct Answer: B) Middle ear
Explanation: The stapes, located in the middle ear, is the smallest bone, essential for hearing.
12. Which blood vessels carry blood away from the heart?
A) Veins
B) Arteries
C) Capillaries
D) Venules
Correct Answer: B) Arteries
Explanation: Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except pulmonary arteries).
13. What is the main function of platelets?
A) Transport oxygen
B) Blood clotting
C) Fighting infections
D) Hormone production
Correct Answer: B) Blood clotting
Explanation: Platelets (thrombocytes) help prevent bleeding by forming clots.
14. Which gland regulates metabolism?
A) Adrenal gland
B) Pituitary gland
C) Thyroid gland
D) Pancreas
Correct Answer: C) Thyroid gland
Explanation: The thyroid gland produces hormones (thyroxine, T3, T4) that control metabolism.
15. The right lung is divided into how many lobes?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Correct Answer: B) 3
Explanation: The right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, lower), while the left has two.
16. Which structure connects muscles to bones?
A) Ligaments
B) Cartilage
C) Tendons
D) Fascia
Correct Answer: C) Tendons
Explanation: Tendons attach muscles to bones, transmitting force to produce movement.
17. Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption in bones?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin B12
C) Vitamin C
D) Vitamin D
Correct Answer: D) Vitamin D
Explanation: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
18. What type of tissue connects bones to each other at joints?
A) Ligaments
B) Tendons
C) Cartilage
D) Fascia
Correct Answer: A) Ligaments
Explanation: Ligaments are tough fibrous tissues that stabilize joints by connecting bones.
19. The human body’s largest organ is:
A) Brain
B) Heart
C) Liver
D) Skin
Correct Answer: D) Skin
Explanation: The skin is the body’s largest organ, protecting against infections and regulating temperature.
20. Which blood group is called the universal donor?
A) A+
B) B+
C) O-
D) AB+
Correct Answer: C) O-
Explanation: O-negative blood can be given to patients of all blood types in emergencies.
21. Which part of the eye regulates the amount of light entering?
A) Retina
B) Iris
C) Cornea
D) Lens
Correct Answer: B) Iris
Explanation: The iris controls the pupil size, regulating light entry into the eye.
22. Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
A) Trachea
B) Bronchi
C) Bronchioles
D) Alveoli
Correct Answer: D) Alveoli
Explanation: Alveoli are tiny sacs where oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed.
23. Which bone protects the brain?
A) Rib cage
B) Skull
C) Spine
D) Pelvis
Correct Answer: B) Skull
Explanation: The skull protects the brain and supports facial structures.
24. Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body?
A) Right atrium
B) Right ventricle
C) Left atrium
D) Left ventricle
Correct Answer: D) Left ventricle
Explanation: The left ventricle has the thickest walls and pumps oxygen-rich blood to the entire body.
25. The vertebral column is divided into how many regions?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
Correct Answer: C) 5
Explanation: The spinal column has 5 regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.
26. Which part of the brain regulates body temperature and hunger?
A) Cerebellum
B) Hypothalamus
C) Medulla
D) Cerebrum
Correct Answer: B) Hypothalamus
Explanation: The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis, regulating hunger, thirst, and temperature.
27. The clavicle is commonly known as the:
A) Collarbone
B) Shoulder blade
C) Breastbone
D) Hip bone
Correct Answer: A) Collarbone
Explanation: The clavicle (collarbone) connects the arm to the body and supports shoulder movement.
28. Which type of muscle is voluntary?
A) Cardiac muscle
B) Smooth muscle
C) Skeletal muscle
D) Involuntary muscle
Correct Answer: C) Skeletal muscle
Explanation: Skeletal muscles are under voluntary control, enabling body movement.
29. What is the main function of the pancreas?
A) Produce insulin and digestive enzymes
B) Store bile
C) Filter blood
D) Pump oxygen
Correct Answer: A) Produce insulin and digestive enzymes
Explanation: The pancreas releases insulin to regulate blood sugar and enzymes for digestion.
30. Which part of the digestive system absorbs most nutrients?
A) Stomach
B) Small intestine
C) Large intestine
D) Esophagus
Correct Answer: B) Small intestine
Explanation: The small intestine absorbs most nutrients from digested food through villi.
31. Which structure carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
A) Pulmonary artery
B) Pulmonary vein
C) Aorta
D) Vena cava
Correct Answer: B) Pulmonary vein
Explanation: Pulmonary veins carry oxygen-rich blood from lungs to the left atrium.
32. Which organ is known as the “voice box”?
A) Pharynx
B) Larynx
C) Trachea
D) Bronchus
Correct Answer: B) Larynx
Explanation: The larynx contains vocal cords, producing sound for speech.
33. Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin K
C) Vitamin D
D) Vitamin C
Correct Answer: B) Vitamin K
Explanation: Vitamin K is required to synthesize clotting factors in blood.
34. Which part of the body produces bile?
A) Pancreas
B) Stomach
C) Liver
D) Gallbladder
Correct Answer: C) Liver
Explanation: The liver produces bile, stored in the gallbladder, to help digest fats.
35. Which structure connects the throat to the stomach?
A) Trachea
B) Esophagus
C) Larynx
D) Intestine
Correct Answer: B) Esophagus
Explanation: The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the throat to the stomach.
36. What type of blood cells fight infections?
A) Red blood cells
B) White blood cells
C) Platelets
D) Plasma cells
Correct Answer: B) White blood cells
Explanation: WBCs defend the body against pathogens and infections.
37. Which bone is also called the kneecap?
A) Femur
B) Tibia
C) Patella
D) Fibula
Correct Answer: C) Patella
Explanation: The patella is a triangular bone protecting the knee joint.
38. Which organ produces insulin?
A) Kidney
B) Pancreas
C) Liver
D) Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: B) Pancreas
Explanation: Insulin is produced in the pancreas (beta cells of islets of Langerhans).
39. Which artery is the largest in the body?
A) Carotid artery
B) Aorta
C) Femoral artery
D) Pulmonary artery
Correct Answer: B) Aorta
Explanation: The aorta carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the entire body.
40. Which structure filters blood in the kidneys?
A) Glomerulus
B) Loop of Henle
C) Ureter
D) Nephron
Correct Answer: A) Glomerulus
Explanation: The glomerulus filters blood plasma, initiating urine formation.
41. Which type of joint is found in the knee?
A) Hinge joint
B) Ball-and-socket joint
C) Pivot joint
D) Saddle joint
Correct Answer: A) Hinge joint
Explanation: The knee functions mainly as a hinge, allowing flexion and extension.
42. Which organ is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen?
A) Liver
B) Spleen
C) Appendix
D) Pancreas
Correct Answer: B) Spleen
Explanation: The spleen filters blood and plays a role in immune defense.
43. The axial skeleton includes which of the following?
A) Arms and legs
B) Skull, vertebral column, rib cage
C) Shoulder and hip bones
D) Hands and feet
Correct Answer: B) Skull, vertebral column, rib cage
Explanation: The axial skeleton forms the central framework of the body.
44. Which gland is called the “master gland”?
A) Thyroid
B) Pituitary
C) Adrenal
D) Pancreas
Correct Answer: B) Pituitary
Explanation: The pituitary gland controls other endocrine glands and regulates growth.
45. Which structure prevents food from entering the windpipe?
A) Larynx
B) Trachea
C) Epiglottis
D) Pharynx
Correct Answer: C) Epiglottis
Explanation: The epiglottis is a flap that closes during swallowing to prevent choking.
46. Which blood vessels exchange nutrients and waste with tissues?
A) Arteries
B) Veins
C) Capillaries
D) Arterioles
Correct Answer: C) Capillaries
Explanation: Capillaries are thin-walled vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.
47. Which bone forms the forehead?
A) Temporal bone
B) Occipital bone
C) Frontal bone
D) Parietal bone
Correct Answer: C) Frontal bone
Explanation: The frontal bone forms the forehead and upper eye sockets.
48. Which part of the digestive system absorbs water and forms feces?
A) Stomach
B) Small intestine
C) Large intestine
D) Esophagus
Correct Answer: C) Large intestine
Explanation: The large intestine absorbs water and compacts undigested material into feces.
49. Which nerve is the longest in the human body?
A) Optic nerve
B) Vagus nerve
C) Sciatic nerve
D) Facial nerve
Correct Answer: C) Sciatic nerve
Explanation: The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down the legs, controlling movement and sensation.
50. The bones of the wrist are called:
A) Carpals
B) Tarsals
C) Metacarpals
D) Phalanges
Correct Answer: A) Carpals
Explanation: The wrist contains eight carpal bones that allow flexibility and movement.
That’s the end of NCLEX Anatomy MCQs Part 1 (1–50). 🚀
👉 Continue with NCLEX Anatomy MCQs Part 2 (51–100) to keep building your knowledge.
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