🧠 NCLEX Anatomy MCQs with Answers (Part 2: 51–100)
Anatomy is the foundation of nursing and medical sciences, making it one of the most tested subjects in the NCLEX and other nursing board exams. To help you master this crucial subject, we’ve prepared NCLEX Anatomy MCQs Part 2 (51–100) with detailed explanations.
These questions are designed to cover key areas of human anatomy, including the cardiovascular system, skeletal system, digestive system, nervous system, and endocrine system. By practicing these MCQs, you will strengthen your understanding and improve your exam readiness.
Whether you are preparing for the NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, USMLE, PLAB, HAAD, DHA, or other international medical exams, these questions will add great value to your preparation.
Question 51
Which bone is the largest and strongest in the human body?
A) Tibia
B) Femur
C) Humerus
D) Pelvis
Answer: B) Femur
Explanation: The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It supports body weight during standing, walking, and running.
Question 52
The functional unit of the kidney is called:
A) Neuron
B) Nephron
C) Glomerulus
D) Tubule
Answer: B) Nephron
Explanation: The nephron is the kidney’s functional unit, responsible for filtering blood, removing waste, and regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.
Question 53
Which organ is primarily responsible for detoxification of harmful substances in the blood?
A) Kidneys
B) Lungs
C) Liver
D) Pancreas
Answer: C) Liver
Explanation: The liver detoxifies harmful chemicals, metabolizes drugs, and produces bile to help digest fats.
Question 54
Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
A) Cerebrum
B) Cerebellum
C) Medulla oblongata
D) Hypothalamus
Answer: B) Cerebellum
Explanation: The cerebellum regulates voluntary motor movements, balance, posture, and coordination.
Question 55
The structure that connects muscles to bones is called:
A) Ligament
B) Tendon
C) Cartilage
D) Fascia
Answer: B) Tendon
Explanation: Tendons are strong connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, allowing movement when muscles contract.
Question 56
Which artery is the main supplier of blood to the brain?
A) Jugular vein
B) Carotid artery
C) Subclavian artery
D) Femoral artery
Answer: B) Carotid artery
Explanation: The carotid arteries, located on each side of the neck, carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain.
Question 57
Which muscle is known as the “breathing muscle”?
A) Intercostal muscles
B) Diaphragm
C) Pectoralis major
D) Trapezius
Answer: B) Diaphragm
Explanation: The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration. It contracts during inhalation, expanding the chest cavity.
Question 58
How many pairs of ribs are present in the human body?
A) 10
B) 11
C) 12
D) 13
Answer: C) 12
Explanation: Humans have 12 pairs of ribs. The first 7 pairs are true ribs, the next 3 are false ribs, and the last 2 are floating ribs.
Question 59
Which type of joint is found in the shoulder and hip?
A) Hinge joint
B) Pivot joint
C) Ball-and-socket joint
D) Saddle joint
Answer: C) Ball-and-socket joint
Explanation: Ball-and-socket joints allow multidirectional movement and rotation, found in the shoulder and hip.
Question 60
The pituitary gland is located in which part of the skull?
A) Temporal bone
B) Sphenoid bone
C) Frontal bone
D) Parietal bone
Answer: B) Sphenoid bone
Explanation: The pituitary gland sits in the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone at the base of the brain.
Question 61
Which part of the nervous system controls voluntary actions?
A) Autonomic nervous system
B) Somatic nervous system
C) Sympathetic nervous system
D) Parasympathetic nervous system
Answer: B) Somatic nervous system
Explanation: The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, while the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions.
Question 62
What is the main function of red bone marrow?
A) Fat storage
B) Production of blood cells
C) Calcium storage
D) Hormone secretion
Answer: B) Production of blood cells
Explanation: Red bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets through hematopoiesis.
Question 63
Which part of the eye is responsible for regulating the amount of light entering?
A) Lens
B) Retina
C) Cornea
D) Iris
Answer: D) Iris
Explanation: The iris controls the size of the pupil, regulating the amount of light that enters the eye.
Question 64
Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body?
A) Right atrium
B) Right ventricle
C) Left atrium
D) Left ventricle
Answer: D) Left ventricle
Explanation: The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood through the aorta to the systemic circulation.
Question 65
Which organ stores bile?
A) Liver
B) Gallbladder
C) Pancreas
D) Small intestine
Answer: B) Gallbladder
Explanation: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the small intestine for fat digestion.
Question 66
What is the main structural protein found in skin, hair, and nails?
A) Elastin
B) Collagen
C) Keratin
D) Myosin
Answer: C) Keratin
Explanation: Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein that provides strength and protection to skin, hair, and nails.
Question 67
Which of the following bones is part of the axial skeleton?
A) Femur
B) Tibia
C) Vertebrae
D) Humerus
Answer: C) Vertebrae
Explanation: The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. The appendicular skeleton includes the limbs.
Question 68
Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for vision?
A) Temporal lobe
B) Parietal lobe
C) Frontal lobe
D) Occipital lobe
Answer: D) Occipital lobe
Explanation: The occipital lobe processes visual information received from the eyes.
Question 69
Which vitamin is necessary for proper blood clotting?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Vitamin D
D) Vitamin K
Answer: D) Vitamin K
Explanation: Vitamin K is essential for synthesizing clotting factors in the liver.
Question 70
What is the longest part of the digestive system?
A) Stomach
B) Large intestine
C) Small intestine
D) Esophagus
Answer: C) Small intestine
Explanation: The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive system (about 6 meters), where most digestion and absorption occur.
Question 71
Which blood vessels carry blood away from the heart?
A) Veins
B) Capillaries
C) Arteries
D) Venules
Answer: C) Arteries
Explanation: Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins return blood back to the heart.
Question 72
The primary function of platelets is:
A) Oxygen transport
B) Blood clotting
C) Fighting infection
D) Hormone transport
Answer: B) Blood clotting
Explanation: Platelets (thrombocytes) play a vital role in hemostasis and blood clot formation.
Question 73
Which structure connects the pharynx to the stomach?
A) Trachea
B) Esophagus
C) Larynx
D) Duodenum
Answer: B) Esophagus
Explanation: The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach.
Question 74
Which part of the cell contains genetic material?
A) Ribosomes
B) Cytoplasm
C) Nucleus
D) Mitochondria
Answer: C) Nucleus
Explanation: The nucleus stores DNA, which carries genetic instructions for cell function.
Question 75
What is the normal pH range of human blood?
A) 6.8–7.0
B) 7.35–7.45
C) 7.8–8.0
D) 6.5–6.8
Answer: B) 7.35–7.45
Explanation: Human blood maintains a slightly alkaline pH range of 7.35–7.45, essential for enzyme and metabolic function.
Question 76
Which cranial nerve is responsible for smell?
A) Optic nerve
B) Olfactory nerve
C) Trigeminal nerve
D) Facial nerve
Answer: B) Olfactory nerve
Explanation: The olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) is responsible for the sense of smell.
Question 77
The pancreas has both:
A) Endocrine and exocrine functions
B) Nervous and digestive functions
C) Circulatory and lymphatic functions
D) Skeletal and muscular functions
Answer: A) Endocrine and exocrine functions
Explanation: The pancreas produces insulin (endocrine) and digestive enzymes (exocrine).
Question 78
Which part of the brain regulates temperature and hunger?
A) Cerebrum
B) Medulla oblongata
C) Hypothalamus
D) Thalamus
Answer: C) Hypothalamus
Explanation: The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and hormonal control.
Question 79
The functional unit of the lung is called:
A) Bronchiole
B) Alveolus
C) Trachea
D) Pleura
Answer: B) Alveolus
Explanation: Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs between the lungs and blood.
Question 80
Which blood group is considered the universal donor?
A) A+
B) B–
C) O–
D) AB+
Answer: C) O–
Explanation: O negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, making it compatible for transfusion to all blood types.
Question 81
Which gland produces melatonin?
A) Pituitary gland
B) Pineal gland
C) Thyroid gland
D) Adrenal gland
Answer: B) Pineal gland
Explanation: The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Question 82
The outermost layer of the skin is called:
A) Dermis
B) Hypodermis
C) Epidermis
D) Subcutaneous tissue
Answer: C) Epidermis
Explanation: The epidermis is the outermost protective layer of the skin, made of stratified squamous epithelium.
Question 83
Which blood vessels are the smallest and allow exchange of substances?
A) Arteries
B) Veins
C) Capillaries
D) Venules
Answer: C) Capillaries
Explanation: Capillaries are thin-walled blood vessels that allow exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.
Question 84
The auditory ossicles are located in which part of the ear?
A) Outer ear
B) Middle ear
C) Inner ear
D) Cochlea
Answer: B) Middle ear
Explanation: The three ossicles—malleus, incus, and stapes—transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Question 85
Which organ produces insulin?
A) Liver
B) Pancreas
C) Kidney
D) Thyroid
Answer: B) Pancreas
Explanation: Insulin is secreted by beta cells in the pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels.
Question 86
Which bone is also known as the collarbone?
A) Scapula
B) Sternum
C) Clavicle
D) Humerus
Answer: C) Clavicle
Explanation: The clavicle connects the sternum to the scapula and stabilizes the shoulder.
Question 87
The heart is enclosed in a protective sac called:
A) Pleura
B) Peritoneum
C) Pericardium
D) Endocardium
Answer: C) Pericardium
Explanation: The pericardium is a double-layered sac that surrounds and protects the heart.
Question 88
Which of the following is a sesamoid bone?
A) Femur
B) Tibia
C) Patella
D) Ulna
Answer: C) Patella
Explanation: The patella (kneecap) is the largest sesamoid bone, embedded within a tendon.
Question 89
Which hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle?
A) Cortisol
B) Insulin
C) Melatonin
D) Thyroxine
Answer: C) Melatonin
Explanation: Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, regulates circadian rhythms and promotes sleep.
Question 90
The optic nerve is cranial nerve number:
A) I
B) II
C) III
D) IV
Answer: B) II
Explanation: The optic nerve (cranial nerve II) transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.
Question 91
Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?
A) Epiglottis
B) Larynx
C) Pharynx
D) Vocal cords
Answer: A) Epiglottis
Explanation: The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that closes over the trachea during swallowing, preventing food from entering the airway.
Question 92
Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption?
A) Vitamin A
B) Vitamin C
C) Vitamin D
D) Vitamin K
Answer: C) Vitamin D
Explanation: Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the intestines, supporting bone health.
Question 93
Which organ is known as the “master gland”?
A) Thyroid
B) Pituitary gland
C) Adrenal gland
D) Hypothalamus
Answer: B) Pituitary gland
Explanation: The pituitary gland regulates other endocrine glands by releasing various hormones.
Question 94
Which bone forms the forehead?
A) Temporal bone
B) Occipital bone
C) Frontal bone
D) Parietal bone
Answer: C) Frontal bone
Explanation: The frontal bone forms the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets.
Question 95
Which layer of the heart is responsible for contraction?
A) Endocardium
B) Myocardium
C) Pericardium
D) Epicardium
Answer: B) Myocardium
Explanation: The myocardium is the thick muscular layer of the heart responsible for pumping blood.
Question 96
Which organ filters old red blood cells and stores platelets?
A) Liver
B) Spleen
C) Kidney
D) Bone marrow
Answer: B) Spleen
Explanation: The spleen filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and stores platelets.
Question 97
Which cranial nerve controls facial expressions?
A) Trigeminal nerve
B) Facial nerve
C) Glossopharyngeal nerve
D) Vagus nerve
Answer: B) Facial nerve
Explanation: The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls facial muscles for expressions and also taste sensations.
Question 98
The smallest structural and functional unit of life is:
A) Tissue
B) Cell
C) Organ
D) Organelle
Answer: B) Cell
Explanation: The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
Question 99
Which bone protects the brain?
A) Sternum
B) Skull
C) Ribs
D) Vertebrae
Answer: B) Skull
Explanation: The skull (cranium) encloses and protects the brain from injury.
Question 100
Which organ produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin?
A) Liver
B) Pancreas
C) Gallbladder
D) Stomach
Answer: B) Pancreas
Explanation: The pancreas has both exocrine (digestive enzymes) and endocrine (insulin, glucagon) functions.
This was NCLEX Anatomy MCQs Part 2 (51–100) with answers and explanations. Consistent practice of such questions will help you build a strong foundation in anatomy and score higher in your exams.
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