1. HESI A2 A+P “Test Prep Books” 2026 study guide

Define anatomy.

The structural makeup of an organism.

Define physiology.

Refers to the Function of an organism. It examines the chemical or physical functions that help the body function appropriately.

List the level of organization in order from the smallest level.

Cells, tissues, organs, organ system

Define cells. (Level of organization of the Human Body)

Individual units called____.

Define tissues. (Level of organization of the Human Body)

Groups of similar cells are arranged into___.

Define organs. (Level of organization of the Human Body)

Different tissues are arranged into _____.

Define organ systems. (Level of organization of the Human Body)

Organs working tg form entire________.

How many organ systems are in the human body?

Twelve

The human body has twelve organ systems that govern…

Circulation, digestion, immunity, Hormones, movement, support, coordination, urination and excretion, reproduction(male+female), respiration, and general protection.

List the body cavities.

Cranial cavity, thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, pelvic cavity, spinal cavity.

Body is partitioned into different hollow spaces that house organs!!!!

Define cranial cavity.

It’s surrounded by the skull and contains organs such as the brain and pituitary gland.

Define Thoracic cavity.

It’s encircled by the sternum and ribs. It contains organs such as the lungs, heart, trachea(windpipe), esophagus, and bronchial tubes

Define Abdominal cavity.

It’s seperated from the thoracic cavity by thee diaphragm. It contains organs such as the stomach, gallbladder, liver, small intestines, and large intestines.

The _____ organs are held in place by a….

Membrane called the peritoneum.

Define pelvic cavity.

The _____ cavity is enclosed by the pelvis, or bones of the hip. It contains organs such as the urinary bladder, urethra, anus, and rectum. It contains the reproductive organs as well. In females, the ____ cavity also contains the uterus.

Define spinal cavity.

It’s surrounded by the vertebral column. The vertebral column has 5 regions.the spinal cord runs thru the middle of the spinal cavity.

The vertebral column has 5 regions, list them.

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

What are the 3 planes of the human body?

Frontal(aka coronal), sagittal and transverse.

Which plane is the frontal(aka coronal) plane?

The coronal plane divides the body or organ into…

A front(anterior) and back (posterior) portion.

The sagittal(aka lateral) plane divides the body or organ into…

A right and left side.*think 2 sides L, R

The transverse plane is a…

Horizontal plane that divides the body or organ into upper and lower portions.

Medial refers to a structure being…

Closer to the midline of the body.

Lateral refers to a structure being…

Farther from the midline of the body, opp of medial.

Proximal refers to a structure or body part located…

Near an attachment point.

Distal refers to a structure or body part located…

Far from an attachment point, opposite of proximal

Anterior means…

Towards the front. AKA ventral

Posterior means…

Towards the back.

Superior means…

Above and refers to a structure closer to the head. AKA cephalic or cranial

Inferior means…

Below and refers to a structure farther from the head, its the opposite of superior.

Superficial refers to…

A structure closer to the surface.

Deep refers to…

A structure farther from the surface.

Define Cervical

Relating to the neck

Define clavicular

Relating to the clavicle, or collarbone

Define ocular.

Relating to the eyes.

Define acromial

Relating to the shoulder

Define cubital

Relating to the elbow

Define brachial.

Relating to the arm

Define carpal.

Relating to the wrist

Define thoracic.

Relating to the chest

Define abdominal.

Relating to the abdomen.

Define pubic.

Relating to the groin.

Define pelvic.

Relating to the pelvis.

Define Femoral.

Relating to the femur.

Define geniculate.

Relating to the knee.

Define pedal.

Relating to the foot.

Define palmar.

Relating to the palm of the hand.

Define plantar.

Relating to the sole of the foot

Define the abdominopelvic region

The combination of the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

The abdominopelvic regions are divided into how many regions?

9 regions. 6 different names. With lefts and rights.

A simpler way to describe the abdominopelvic area is to divide it into the following QUAdrants(4):

Right upper quadrant, right lower quadrant, left upper quadrant, left lower quadrant.