The HESI A2 Anatomy & Physiology section is one of the most challenging — and most important — parts of the exam. With 25 questions covering the entire human body, it's impossible to memorize everything. Our tutors have identified the highest-yield systems that appear most frequently on the actual exam.
Why A&P Is So Hard (and How to Make It Easier)
Most students struggle with A&P because they try to memorize isolated facts instead of understanding how body systems work together. The HESI A2 specifically tests your ability to apply anatomical knowledge — not just recall it. Questions often describe a patient scenario and ask you to identify which organ or process is involved.
💡 Strategy: Learn systems, not just structures. For each body system, understand its organs, their functions, and how it interacts with at least one other system.
High-Priority Body Systems
1. Cardiovascular System
The heart, blood vessels, and blood. Know the chambers of the heart (right atrium → right ventricle → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → body), the difference between arteries and veins, and the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node as the heart's pacemaker. Understand how blood pressure is regulated.
2. Respiratory System
The path of air: nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli. Gas exchange happens at the alveoli — O₂ enters the blood, CO₂ leaves. Know the mechanics of breathing: diaphragm contracts → lungs expand → air rushes in (inhalation).
3. Musculoskeletal System
Know the three muscle types (skeletal = voluntary, smooth = involuntary, cardiac = heart). Understand the major bones and their roles. Questions often cover joint types, bone fracture healing, and the role of tendons vs. ligaments.
4. Nervous System
Central nervous system (brain + spinal cord) vs. peripheral nervous system. Know the autonomic nervous system: sympathetic (fight or flight) vs. parasympathetic (rest and digest). Understand how nerve impulses travel and what neurotransmitters do.
5. Digestive System
Trace food from mouth to anus: mouth → esophagus → stomach → small intestine → large intestine → rectum → anus. Know where each nutrient type is primarily absorbed (small intestine = most nutrients; large intestine = water). The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder play supporting roles in digestion.
6. Endocrine System
Know the major glands and their hormones: pituitary (growth hormone, TSH, ADH), thyroid (T3/T4 — metabolism), adrenal (cortisol, adrenaline), pancreas (insulin — lowers blood glucose; glucagon — raises blood glucose). Understand negative feedback loops.
7. Urinary System
Kidneys filter blood and produce urine. Know the nephron as the functional filtration unit. Understand how the kidneys regulate blood pressure (via renin) and maintain acid-base balance. The path of urine: kidney → ureter → bladder → urethra.
Efficient Study Techniques for A&P
- Draw diagrams: Sketch each body system from memory. The act of drawing forces you to recall details.
- Use mnemonics: For organ sequences, nerves, or hormone lists, create memory shortcuts.
- Practice with passage-based questions: The HESI A2 presents clinical scenarios — get comfortable applying knowledge to unfamiliar contexts.
- Space your review: Review the cardiovascular system today, revisit it in 3 days, then again in a week.
Need Help with HESI A2 A&P?
Our HESI A2 tutors specialize in making anatomy click — with visual explanations and targeted practice.
Book a Free Consultation