TEAS-style science practice questions: anatomy, physiology, biology and chemistry

Science practice for nursing school entrance tests such as the ATI TEAS. The science section is the longest part of the test and the one applicants find hardest. It covers human anatomy and physiology, biology (cells, cell division, DNA and inheritance, the molecules of life and microorganisms), chemistry (atoms, the periodic table, bonding, states of matter, solutions, acids and bases, reactions and simple stoichiometry) and scientific reasoning: hypotheses, variables, controls and what a study can and cannot conclude.

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Cram pack (PDF)Formula sheets, method steps and practice problems with full solutions, ready to print.

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About the exam and how to practise

Anatomy and physiology is the largest part of the section. Practise it with the anatomy and physiology topics at the easy and medium levels, which match entrance-exam depth; their hard levels contain clinical cases written for nursing students and are useful only as a stretch. The biology and chemistry topics were written for this level, and scientific reasoning questions are part of the biology topic.

All questions are original practice questions with an explanation for every answer, not questions from the real test. Work through each topic from easy to hard, then mix them with “Practise this course”. Check the exam organisation’s candidate information for the current content outline.

Topics in this course

  1. Human anatomykey terms and facts · applying the concepts · cases and analysismultiple choice
  2. Human physiologykey terms and facts · applying the concepts · cases and analysismultiple choice
  3. Biology for nursing entrance examskey terms and facts · applying the concepts · cases and analysismultiple choice
  4. Chemistry for nursing entrance examskey terms and facts · applying the concepts · cases and analysismultiple choice

Exam tips for TEAS-style science practice

  • For any body system, learn the structure, its job and one thing that goes wrong when it fails.
  • In genetics questions, draw the Punnett square even when it looks simple.
  • In experiment questions, name the independent, dependent and controlled variables before reading the options.
  • In chemistry, write units at each step and remember that pH is a logarithmic scale.

Example questions

Human anatomyEasy

Which flap of tissue covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing?

  1. AUvula
  2. BVocal cords
  3. CSoft palate
  4. DEpiglottis
Show hints
  1. It is a leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage behind the root of the tongue.
  2. Two wrong answers are now crossed out. One of the remaining two is right.
Show the answer and explanation

Why this is the answer

The epiglottis folds back over the laryngeal inlet when you swallow, guiding food into the oesophagus instead of the airway.

Answer

D · Epiglottis
Human physiologyMedium

Which protein forms the mesh that stabilises a blood clot?

  1. ACollagen
  2. BAlbumin
  3. CFibrin
  4. DThrombin
Show hints
  1. Thrombin makes it from a soluble plasma precursor.
  2. Two wrong answers are now crossed out. One of the remaining two is right.
Show the answer and explanation

Why this is the answer

Thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin strands, which bind the platelet plug and trap red cells to form a stable clot.

Answer

C · Fibrin

How practising works

  • “Practise this course” mixes problems from all its topics, like a real exam.
  • Every problem has new values, so you learn the method instead of an answer.
  • Stuck? Open a small hint first, and the full explanation only when you need it.
  • Mock exams are timed and have no hints, and you get your score and a full review at the end.

Related courses

TEAS-style practice questions (all four sections)HESI A2-style practice: math, English, A&P, biology and chemistryAnatomy and PhysiologyMedical SciencesECG InterpretationNursing Fundamentals and Clinical PracticeLab Values for NursesInfection Control and Patient Safety
Practise this course for freePractise this courseTake a mock exam5 free problems every day. No card needed.