Anatomy and Physiology — Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Practice Test

This Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Anatomy and Physiology practice set has 24 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation.

Sample questions

Three questions from the Anatomy and Physiology bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 24 questions at random from the same bank.

1. Which sequence correctly lists the levels of structural organization of the body from simplest to most complex?

   • Cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism — Correct answer
   • Cell → organ → tissue → organ system → organism
   • Tissue → cell → organ → organism → organ system
   • Organism → organ system → organ → tissue → cell

   Explanation: Per NHA Domain 2 (body structures/organ systems) and standard A&P, the levels build from simplest to most complex: cells combine into tissues, tissues form organs, organs working together form an organ system, and all systems together form the organism. The other options scramble this order (e.g., placing organ before tissue) or reverse it.

   Handbook: Anatomy & Physiology — Levels of Organization (NHA Domain 2, k37; standard A&P / Kinn's)

2. Which cell structure contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and directs cellular activities?

   • The nucleus — Correct answer
   • The mitochondrion
   • The cell membrane
   • The ribosome

   Explanation: Per NHA Domain 2 (k35, cell structure), the nucleus houses the cell's DNA and acts as the control center that directs cellular activities. The mitochondrion produces energy (ATP), the cell membrane forms the outer boundary, and ribosomes synthesize proteins.

   Handbook: Anatomy & Physiology — Cell Structure: Nucleus (NHA Domain 2, k35; standard A&P)

3. The organelle known as the "powerhouse" of the cell because it produces most of the cell's energy (ATP) is the ______.

   • mitochondrion — Correct answer
   • nucleus
   • lysosome
   • ribosome

   Explanation: Per NHA Domain 2 (k35, cell structure), the mitochondrion generates ATP through cellular respiration and is called the powerhouse of the cell. The nucleus stores DNA, lysosomes digest waste, and ribosomes make proteins.

   Handbook: Anatomy & Physiology — Cell Structure: Mitochondria (NHA Domain 2, k35; standard A&P)