Master the highest-value Anatomy & Physiology concepts for the ATI TEAS 7 Science section, including cardiovascular blood flow, respiration, digestion, nervous-system control, endocrine hormones, kidney function, immunity, reproduction, muscles, bones, and homeostasis.
Quick Answer
Human Anatomy & Physiology is one of the most important areas to study for ATI TEAS 7 Science.
ATI’s official TEAS 7 content outline assigns:
- 44 scored questions to Science
- 18 scored Science questions specifically to Human Anatomy & Physiology
That makes A&P the largest single Science subcontent area.
You should understand the basic structure and function of these systems:
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Digestive
- Nervous
- Endocrine
- Urinary
- Immune and lymphatic
- Musculoskeletal
- Integumentary
- Reproductive
The TEAS usually rewards understanding relationships more than memorizing every tiny anatomical detail.
Think:
Structure → Function → System Interaction → Homeostasis
Why Anatomy & Physiology Matters So Much on TEAS 7
The Science section contains:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Scientific Reasoning
ATI allocates 18 scored items to A&P, compared with 9 Biology, 8 Chemistry, and 9 Scientific Reasoning items.
That does not mean exactly 18 predictable questions will appear in the same form every time.
It means A&P deserves a major share of your Science study time.
Do Not Study A&P Like a Medical-School Anatomy Course
A common mistake is trying to memorize:
- Every bone
- Every muscle origin
- Every tiny blood vessel
- Every hormone detail
That is inefficient for TEAS.
Instead, focus on:
- Major organs
- Basic structures
- Primary functions
- Direction of flow
- Cause-and-effect relationships
- How body systems work together
Recent TEAS preparation resources published in September and October 2026 are heavily emphasizing this same structure-and-function approach.
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system:
- Transports oxygen
- Transports nutrients
- Removes wastes
- Moves hormones
- Helps regulate temperature
The major components are:
- Heart
- Blood
- Blood vessels
Blood Flow Through the Heart
This is one of the highest-value sequences to know.
Follow it carefully:
Body → Vena Cava → Right Atrium → Tricuspid Valve → Right Ventricle → Pulmonary Valve → Pulmonary Artery → Lungs → Pulmonary Veins → Left Atrium → Mitral Valve → Left Ventricle → Aortic Valve → Aorta → Body
You do not need to memorize it as random words.
Understand the logic.
Right Side vs. Left Side of the Heart
Right side
Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
Pumps it to the lungs.
Left side
Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
Pumps it to the body.
Pulmonary Artery Trap
Students often learn:
Arteries carry oxygenated blood.
That is not the correct definition.
An artery carries blood:
Away from the heart.
The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Pulmonary Vein Trap
Veins carry blood:
Toward the heart.
The pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
Why the Left Ventricle Is Thick
The left ventricle pumps blood throughout systemic circulation.
It must generate much greater pressure than the right ventricle, which only pumps blood to the nearby lungs.
Therefore:
Left ventricular wall is thicker.
Arteries vs. Veins vs. Capillaries
Arteries
Carry blood away from the heart.
Generally:
- Higher pressure
- Thicker muscular walls
Veins
Carry blood toward the heart.
Generally:
- Lower pressure
- Often contain valves
Capillaries
Very small vessels where exchange occurs.
Exchange may include:
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
- Nutrients
- Wastes
Respiratory System
The respiratory system’s primary role is gas exchange.
It brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide.
Airflow Pathway
Know the basic pathway:
Nose/Mouth → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli
The alveoli are where most gas exchange occurs.
What Happens in the Alveoli?
Oxygen diffuses:
from alveoli → blood
Carbon dioxide diffuses:
from blood → alveoli
The gases move according to concentration/partial-pressure gradients.
Why Alveoli Are Good for Gas Exchange
Alveoli have:
- Large surface area
- Thin walls
- Extensive capillary supply
These features support efficient diffusion.
Diaphragm and Breathing
The diaphragm is the major muscle of respiration.
During inhalation:
- Diaphragm contracts
- Moves downward
- Thoracic volume increases
- Pressure decreases
- Air flows in
During exhalation at rest:
- Diaphragm relaxes
- Thoracic volume decreases
- Air flows out
Respiratory + Cardiovascular Interaction
The respiratory system gets oxygen into the blood.
The cardiovascular system transports that oxygen to tissues.
This is exactly the type of system interaction TEAS questions may test.
Digestive System
The digestive system:
- Breaks food down
- Absorbs nutrients
- Eliminates undigested waste
Digestive Tract Order
Know:
Mouth → Pharynx → Esophagus → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine → Rectum → Anus
Where Does Most Nutrient Absorption Occur?
Small intestine
This is an extremely high-value fact.
Its structure supports absorption through features such as:
- Villi
- Microvilli
which increase surface area.
What Does the Large Intestine Do?
Major functions include:
- Absorption of water
- Absorption of some electrolytes
- Formation and storage of feces
Do not confuse it with the primary site of nutrient absorption.
Role of the Stomach
The stomach:
- Stores food temporarily
- Mechanically mixes food
- Begins significant protein digestion
- Uses acid and enzymes
Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas
These organs support digestion.
Liver
Produces bile.
Also performs many metabolic and detoxification functions.
Gallbladder
Stores and concentrates bile.
Pancreas
Produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate released into the small intestine.
It also has endocrine functions involving blood-glucose regulation.
Nervous System
The nervous system provides rapid communication and control.
Major divisions:
- Central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
Central Nervous System
Includes:
- Brain
- Spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System
Includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
It carries information:
- Toward the CNS
- Away from the CNS
Sensory vs. Motor
Sensory / afferent
Carries information toward the CNS.
Motor / efferent
Carries commands away from the CNS.
Memory trick:
Afferent Arrives
Efferent Exits
Somatic vs. Autonomic
Somatic Nervous System
Associated mainly with voluntary control of skeletal muscle.
Autonomic Nervous System
Controls many involuntary functions.
Includes:
- Sympathetic
- Parasympathetic
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
“Fight or flight”
Examples:
- Heart rate rises
- Pupils dilate
- Digestion decreases
Parasympathetic
“Rest and digest”
Examples:
- Heart rate slows
- Digestion increases
Endocrine System
The endocrine system regulates body processes using hormones.
Hormones travel through the bloodstream to target tissues.
Pituitary Gland
Often called the “master gland” because it influences several other endocrine glands.
But remember:
The pituitary itself is regulated by the hypothalamus.
Thyroid Gland
Thyroid hormones help regulate:
- Metabolism
- Growth
- Energy use
Parathyroid Glands
Important for calcium regulation.
Parathyroid hormone generally acts to increase blood calcium.
Pancreas
The pancreas has both:
- Exocrine digestive functions
- Endocrine functions
Important hormones include:
Insulin
Lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake/storage.
Glucagon
Raises blood glucose.
Adrenal Glands
Major parts:
Adrenal medulla
Produces catecholamines associated with stress response.
Adrenal cortex
Produces steroid hormones including cortisol and aldosterone.
Urinary System
Major organs include:
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Bladder
- Urethra
Kidney Functions
The kidneys help:
- Filter blood
- Remove metabolic wastes
- Regulate water
- Regulate electrolytes
- Regulate acid-base balance
- Support blood-pressure regulation
Urine Pathway
Know:
Kidneys → Ureters → Bladder → Urethra
Do not confuse:
Ureter
Carries urine from kidney to bladder.
Urethra
Carries urine from bladder to outside body.
Nephron
The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney.
Major processes include:
- Filtration
- Reabsorption
- Secretion
- Excretion
Filtration
Blood is filtered at the renal corpuscle.
Small substances enter the filtrate.
Large cells and most proteins normally remain in the blood.
Reabsorption
Useful substances move:
from filtrate back into blood
Examples include:
- Water
- Glucose
- Electrolytes
depending on physiological conditions.
Immune System
The immune system protects the body from pathogens and abnormal cells.
A useful TEAS framework is:
- Innate immunity
- Adaptive immunity
Innate Immunity
Innate defenses are:
- Nonspecific
- Rapid
- Present before exposure
Examples:
- Skin
- Mucous membranes
- Inflammation
- Phagocytic cells
Adaptive Immunity
Adaptive immunity is:
- Specific
- Able to develop memory
Major lymphocytes include:
- B cells
- T cells
B Cells
B cells are associated with:
Humoral immunity
They can differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies.
T Cells
T cells are central to:
Cell-mediated immunity
Different T-cell types perform different immune functions.
Active vs. Passive Immunity
Active immunity
Your own immune system produces a response.
Examples:
- Infection
- Vaccination
Generally produces immune memory.
Passive immunity
Preformed antibodies are received from another source.
Examples:
- Maternal antibodies
- Certain antibody treatments
Provides more immediate but generally temporary protection.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system:
- Returns excess tissue fluid to circulation
- Supports immune function
- Transports certain absorbed fats
Important structures include:
- Lymph vessels
- Lymph nodes
- Spleen
- Thymus
Muscular System
Three muscle types:
- Skeletal
- Cardiac
- Smooth
Skeletal Muscle
- Voluntary
- Striated
- Attached primarily to bones
- Produces body movement
Cardiac Muscle
- Found in heart
- Striated
- Involuntary
Smooth Muscle
- Involuntary
- Nonstriated
- Found in walls of structures such as intestines and blood vessels
Sliding Filament Concept
Skeletal muscle contracts through interaction between:
- Actin
- Myosin
Sarcomeres shorten as filaments slide past one another.
Do not think the filaments themselves dramatically shrink.
Skeletal System
Major functions include:
- Support
- Protection
- Movement
- Mineral storage
- Blood-cell production
Axial vs. Appendicular Skeleton
Axial
Includes structures forming the central axis, such as:
- Skull
- Vertebral column
- Rib cage
Appendicular
Includes:
- Limbs
- Shoulder girdle
- Pelvic girdle
Bone Cells
Osteoblasts
Build bone.
Osteoclasts
Break down bone.
Osteocytes
Mature bone cells.
Memory:
BLAST = build
Integumentary System
Includes:
- Skin
- Hair
- Nails
- Associated glands
Functions include:
- Protection
- Temperature regulation
- Sensation
- Vitamin D-related processes
Epidermis vs. Dermis
Epidermis
Outer layer.
Primarily epithelial tissue.
Dermis
Deeper layer.
Contains structures such as:
- Blood vessels
- Nerves
- Hair follicles
- Glands
Skin and Temperature Regulation
When body temperature rises:
- Skin blood vessels may dilate
- Sweat production increases
This helps release heat.
Reproductive System
TEAS questions may test:
- Major organs
- Gametes
- Fertilization
- Hormonal control
- Menstrual-cycle basics
Male Reproductive System
Important structures include:
- Testes
- Epididymis
- Vas deferens
- Prostate
- Penis
Testes produce:
- Sperm
- Testosterone
Female Reproductive System
Important structures include:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Vagina
Ovaries produce:
- Ova
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
Where Does Fertilization Usually Occur?
Most commonly:
Fallopian tube
Do not choose the uterus.
The embryo later implants in the uterus.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis means maintaining relatively stable internal conditions despite external or internal changes.
Examples include regulation of:
- Temperature
- Blood glucose
- Blood pressure
- pH
- Water balance
Negative Feedback
Most homeostatic systems use negative feedback.
Negative feedback:
Opposes a change and moves the system back toward its normal range.
Blood Glucose Example
Blood glucose rises.
Pancreas releases insulin.
Cells take up/store glucose.
Blood glucose falls toward normal.
That is negative feedback.
Temperature Example
Body temperature rises.
The body may:
- Sweat
- Increase skin blood flow
Temperature moves back toward normal.
Again:
Negative feedback.
Positive Feedback
Positive feedback amplifies a process.
Examples often taught include:
- Labor contractions
- Blood clotting
Positive feedback is less common in homeostasis.
High-Yield System Interactions
TEAS loves relationships between systems.
Respiratory + Cardiovascular
Respiratory system:
Gets oxygen into blood.
Cardiovascular system:
Transports oxygen to tissues.
Digestive + Cardiovascular
Digestive system:
Absorbs nutrients.
Cardiovascular system:
Carries them to tissues.
Urinary + Cardiovascular
Kidneys filter blood and help regulate:
- Fluid volume
- Electrolytes
- Blood pressure
Nervous + Endocrine
Both regulate the body.
Nervous
Fast electrical/chemical signaling.
Endocrine
Slower hormonal signaling with potentially longer-lasting effects.
Skeletal + Muscular
Muscles contract.
Bones provide levers.
Joints allow movement.
Immune + Lymphatic
Lymphatic structures transport lymph and support immune-cell activity.
Common TEAS A&P Traps
Trap 1: Artery means oxygenated
No.
Artery means away from heart.
Trap 2: Vein means deoxygenated
No.
Vein means toward heart.
Trap 3: Most digestion occurs in the stomach
No.
Much digestion and most nutrient absorption occur in the small intestine.
Trap 4: Ureter and urethra are the same
No.
Ureter:
Kidney → bladder.
Urethra:
Bladder → outside.
Trap 5: Insulin raises blood glucose
No.
Insulin lowers it.
Trap 6: Sympathetic means rest and digest
No.
Sympathetic = fight or flight.
Trap 7: Fertilization normally occurs in the uterus
No.
Typically in the fallopian tube.
Trap 8: Osteoclasts build bone
No.
Osteoblasts build.
Osteoclasts break down.
TEAS-Style Example 1
Which chamber pumps deoxygenated blood toward the lungs?
A. Left atrium
B. Left ventricle
C. Right atrium
D. Right ventricle
Correct Answer: D
The right ventricle pumps blood through the pulmonary artery toward the lungs.
TEAS-Style Example 2
Where does most nutrient absorption occur?
A. Stomach
B. Small intestine
C. Large intestine
D. Esophagus
Correct Answer: B
The small intestine provides extensive surface area for nutrient absorption.
TEAS-Style Example 3
Which hormone lowers blood glucose?
A. Glucagon
B. Insulin
C. Cortisol
D. Aldosterone
Correct Answer: B
TEAS-Style Example 4
Which structure carries urine from the kidney to the bladder?
A. Urethra
B. Nephron
C. Ureter
D. Renal artery
Correct Answer: C
TEAS-Style Example 5
A student becomes frightened and experiences increased heart rate.
Which nervous-system division is most directly responsible?
A. Parasympathetic
B. Sympathetic
C. Somatic sensory
D. Central endocrine
Correct Answer: B
How to Study A&P Faster
Do not create 500 disconnected flashcards.
For every system, learn:
1. Main organs
What structures belong to the system?
2. Main job
What does the system accomplish?
3. Direction/pathway
Where does blood, air, food, urine, or nerve information travel?
4. Regulation
How is the system controlled?
5. Interactions
Which other systems depend on it?
That approach builds reasoning rather than fragile memorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much anatomy and physiology is on the TEAS 7?
ATI’s official outline assigns 18 scored questions to Human Anatomy & Physiology within the Science section.
What body systems should I study for TEAS 7?
Study the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, urinary, immune/lymphatic, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and reproductive systems, with emphasis on structure, function, and system interaction.
Is A&P the biggest part of TEAS Science?
Yes. Human Anatomy & Physiology has more scored items than Biology, Chemistry, or Scientific Reasoning individually.
Do I need to memorize every bone and muscle?
No. Focus first on major structures, core functions, relationships, and physiological processes aligned with ATI’s content categories.
What is the best way to memorize blood flow through the heart?
Follow the logic of circulation rather than memorizing isolated chambers:
Body → right heart → lungs → left heart → body.
Is ATI TEAS 7 still the current version in October 2026?
ATI’s current official content materials continue to identify the exam as ATI TEAS Version 7, and current 2026 prep resources are still aligned to that outline.
Key Takeaways
- Human Anatomy & Physiology accounts for 18 scored TEAS 7 Science questions.
- Focus on structure and function rather than excessive detail.
- Know blood flow through the heart.
- Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins carry blood toward it.
- Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli.
- Most nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine.
- Insulin lowers blood glucose.
- Sympathetic nervous system supports fight-or-flight responses.
- Kidneys regulate fluids, electrolytes, wastes, and acid-base balance.
- B cells support antibody-mediated immunity.
- Osteoblasts build bone; osteoclasts break it down.
- Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube.
- Most homeostatic regulation uses negative feedback.
- Understand how body systems work together.
Test Your TEAS Science Knowledge
The strongest way to prepare for TEAS A&P is not just to reread a textbook.
Practice answering questions that force you to connect:
Structure → Function → Cause → Effect
If you can explain why the left ventricle is thicker, why alveoli are thin, why insulin lowers glucose, and why kidney function changes fluid balance, you are studying at the right level.
Take our full ATI TEAS Practice Test to practice Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Scientific Reasoning, Math, Reading, and English questions with detailed answer explanations.
