Free study questions · Cosmetology & Esthetics state board

Anatomy and physiology practice questions

10 free anatomy and physiology questions for the cosmetology and esthetics written exam (NIC's national theory test). Tap an answer to check yourself: each one comes with a short explanation and the source it's based on.

1. Question 1

   Which body system is made up of the skin, hair, nails and the glands of the skin?

   AThe endocrine systemBThe integumentary systemCThe skeletal systemDThe lymphatic system
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   Answer: B. The integumentary system

   The integumentary system is the skin and its appendages: hair, nails, and sweat and oil glands. It protects the body, helps control temperature and senses touch.

   NCI SEER Training: Integumentary System

2. Question 2

   Which part of a cell controls its activities and holds its DNA?

   AThe cytoplasmBThe nucleusCThe cell membraneDThe ribosome
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   Answer: B. The nucleus

   The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains its genetic material (DNA). Cytoplasm is the gel-like fluid around it, and the cell membrane encloses the cell.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: anatomy and physiology

3. Question 3

   Which cranial nerve is the chief sensory nerve of the face and also controls chewing?

   AThe second (optic) nerveBThe seventh (facial) nerveCThe eleventh (accessory) nerveDThe fifth (trigeminal) nerve
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   Answer: D. The fifth (trigeminal) nerve

   The fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal) carries feeling from the face and supplies the chewing muscles. The seventh (facial) nerve is the chief motor nerve of facial expression.

   NIC Esthetics outline I: anatomy and physiology

4. Question 4

   Which muscle closes the eyelid?

   AOrbicularis oculiBOrbicularis orisCLevator palpebraeDCorrugator muscle
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   Answer: A. Orbicularis oculi

   The orbicularis oculi is the ring muscle around the eye that closes the eyelid. The levator palpebrae raises the upper lid, and the orbicularis oris surrounds the mouth.

   NIC Esthetics outline I: anatomy and physiology

5. Question 5

   Which blood vessels carry blood away from the heart?

   AArteries, which have thick, elastic wallsBVeins, which have valves that prevent backflowCCapillaries, whose walls are one cell thickDLymph vessels, which drain fluid from tissues
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   Answer: A. Arteries, which have thick, elastic walls

   Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the tissues. Veins return blood to the heart, and capillaries connect the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.

   NCI SEER Training: Classification and Structure of Blood Vessels

6. Question 6

   The basic unit of all living things is the:

   AGeneBCellCOrganDTissue
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   Answer: B. Cell

   The cell is the smallest unit that carries out life functions. Cells form tissues, tissues form organs, and organs work together as body systems.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: anatomy and physiology

7. Question 7

   Cell division that produces two identical daughter cells, as when skin cells are replaced, is called:

   AOsmosisBMitosisCMetabolismDMeiosis
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   Answer: B. Mitosis

   In mitosis one cell divides into two identical cells; this is how skin, hair and nail cells are replaced. Meiosis makes reproductive cells, and osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: anatomy and physiology

8. Question 8

   The two phases of metabolism are:

   AAnabolism and catabolismBAbsorption and excretionCOsmosis and diffusionDMitosis and meiosis
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   Answer: A. Anabolism and catabolism

   Anabolism builds larger molecules from smaller ones and stores energy; catabolism breaks molecules down and releases energy.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: anatomy and physiology

9. Question 9

   Which type of tissue carries messages to and from the brain and coordinates body functions?

   AEpithelial tissueBMuscle tissueCConnective tissueDNerve tissue
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   Answer: D. Nerve tissue

   Nerve tissue is made of neurons that carry messages between the brain, spinal cord and body. Muscle tissue contracts, epithelial tissue covers and lines, and connective tissue supports and binds.

   NIC Cosmetology outline I: anatomy and physiology

10. Question 10

    Which type of tissue covers and protects body surfaces and lines the internal organs?

    AMuscle tissueBNerve tissueCAdipose tissueDEpithelial tissue
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    Answer: D. Epithelial tissue

    Epithelial tissue forms the surface of the skin and lines the mouth, digestive tract and other organs. Adipose tissue stores fat, nerve tissue carries signals and muscle tissue contracts to create movement.

    NIC Cosmetology outline I: anatomy and physiology

These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA, the FDA and NIC's published exam outlines, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions.