Anatomy Exam Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Anatomy Exam facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Type I alveolar cells (type I pneumocytes) cover approximately what percentage of the alveolar surface area? → 95%
2. Which of the following tissue types performs the role of lining, protecting, and covering surfaces and bodily cavities? → Epithelial tissue
3. Which ligament connects the cricoid cartilage to the first tracheal ring? → Cricotracheal ligament
4. Which of the following best sums up how cells breathe? → It is an oxidative catabolic activity
5. Alveolar type II pneumocytes primarily function to: → Produce pulmonary surfactant
6. The sartorius muscle is innervated by which nerve? → Femoral nerve
7. The conducting zone of the respiratory system ends at which structure? → Terminal bronchioles
8. Which rotator cuff muscle is unique in that it inserts on the lesser tubercle of the humerus, while the other three insert on the greater tubercle? → Subscapularis
9. A pathologist examining a biopsy from a torn Achilles tendon would primarily observe which histological feature? → Densely packed, parallel bundles of type I collagen fibers with flattened fibroblasts
10. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the gluteus medius? → Hip extension
11. What structure prevents backflow of lymph in lymphatic vessels? → One-way valves
12. Which of the following is not a part of the human body's anterior region? → Vertebral column
13. Which nerve provides the primary motor innervation to the diaphragm? → Phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5)
14. Which of the following leg muscle groups enables one to stand on one's toes? → Plantarflexors
15. What is the primary action of the gluteus maximus? → Hip extension
16. Which of the following bones of the cranial vault is unpaired and forms the anterior aspect, including the forehead and the superior roof of the orbits? → Frontal bone
17. Which statement about anatomical position is accurate? → Upright, arms at sides, palms facing anteriorly
18. Which muscle is the primary plantarflexor of the foot? → Gastrocnemius
19. Which cells in the subcapsular sinus of lymph nodes phagocytose foreign particles entering with lymph? → Macrophages
20. Which layer of the heart wall is the thickest and composed primarily of cardiac muscle tissue responsible for the heart's pumping action? → Myocardium
21. What is the action of the popliteus muscle? → Unlocks the knee by medially rotating the tibia on the femur
22. Which facial bone is necessary for the lateral wall of the orbitals to form? → Zygomatic bones
23. Which of the following is the largest and most powerful of the rotator cuff muscles, primarily responsible for medial (internal) rotation of the arm? → Subscapularis
24. Identify the suture that joins the occipital and parietal bones. → Lambdoid suture
25. The nasopharynx communicates with the middle ear through which structure? → Eustachian (auditory) tube
26. The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from which regions? → Right side of head/neck, right arm, and right thorax
27. Which of the above locations is close to the hamate? → Capitate
28. Which of the following correctly sequences the path of inhaled air from the nose to the alveoli? → Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → alveoli
29. The peroneus (fibularis) longus muscle inserts into which structure? → Medial cuneiform and base of 1st metatarsal
30. The soleus muscle differs from the gastrocnemius in that it: → Does not cross the knee joint