Certified Nursing Assistant Examination (CNA) Anatomy, Physiology, and Common Health Conditions Syllabus

Anatomy, Physiology, and Common Health Conditions syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Anatomy, Physiology, and Common Health Conditions in Certified Nursing Assistant Examination (CNA), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Basic Body Structure and Function

   5 topics

   • Organization of the body
     • Cells, tissues, organs, and systems
     • Anatomical terms and directions
   • Integumentary and musculoskeletal systems
   • Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
   • Nervous, endocrine, and sensory systems
   • Digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems
2. 2

   Common Chronic Conditions and CNA Care

   5 topics

   • Cardiovascular conditions
     • Hypertension and heart failure
     • Stroke (CVA) and rehabilitation needs
   • Respiratory conditions
     • COPD and asthma
     • Pneumonia and oxygen considerations
   • Diabetes mellitus
     • Care and monitoring
     • Diet and foot care
   • Musculoskeletal conditions
     • Arthritis and osteoporosis
     • Hip fracture and joint replacement care
   • Cancer, infections, and immune disorders
3. 3

   Observing and Reporting Changes in Condition

   3 topics

   • Recognizing signs and symptoms of illness
     • Changes in skin, behavior, and intake
     • Pain, swelling, and abnormal vital signs
   • Reporting acute changes urgently
   • Monitoring and documenting trends over time

Anatomy, Physiology, and Common Health Conditions flashcards for Certified Nursing Assistant Examination (CNA)

22 of 50 cards from the Anatomy, Physiology, and Common Health Conditions deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the levels of structural organization of the human body, from simplest to most complex?

   Cells -> tissues -> organs -> organ systems -> organism (chemical/atoms come before cells).

2. What are the four basic tissue types in the human body?

   Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

3. In anatomical terms, what do 'anterior' and 'posterior' mean?

   Anterior (ventral) means toward the front of the body; posterior (dorsal) means toward the back.

4. What do the directional terms 'proximal' and 'distal' describe?

   Proximal means closer to the point of attachment or trunk; distal means farther away from it (e.g., the wrist is distal to the elbow).

5. What are the main functions of the integumentary system (skin)?

   Protection (barrier against injury/pathogens), temperature regulation, sensation, vitamin D synthesis, and prevention of fluid loss.

6. What are the three main layers of the skin from outermost to innermost?

   Epidermis (outer), dermis (middle), and subcutaneous/hypodermis layer (innermost, fatty).

7. What is the primary function of the musculoskeletal system?

   To provide support, structure, protection of organs, and movement; bones also store minerals and produce blood cells in marrow.

8. What are the three types of muscle tissue and is each voluntary or involuntary?

   Skeletal (voluntary), cardiac (involuntary, heart), and smooth (involuntary, organs/vessels).

9. What is the difference between a tendon and a ligament?

   A tendon connects muscle to bone; a ligament connects bone to bone.

10. What is the function of the cardiovascular system?

    To circulate blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing carbon dioxide and waste products.

11. Name the four chambers of the heart.

    Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

12. What is the path of blood flow through the heart and lungs (pulmonary circulation)?

    Right atrium -> right ventricle -> pulmonary artery -> lungs (oxygenated) -> pulmonary veins -> left atrium -> left ventricle -> aorta to body.

13. What are the three types of blood vessels and their roles?

    Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins return blood to the heart, and capillaries allow exchange of gases/nutrients with tissues.

14. What is the function of the respiratory system?

    To bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide through gas exchange in the lungs (external respiration).

15. Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?

    In the alveoli, tiny air sacs surrounded by capillaries where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

16. What is the diaphragm and its role in breathing?

    The diaphragm is the main muscle of respiration; it contracts and flattens to draw air into the lungs (inhalation) and relaxes for exhalation.

17. What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

    The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the CNS).

18. What is the basic functional cell of the nervous system?

    The neuron, which transmits electrical and chemical signals throughout the body.

19. What is the main function of the endocrine system?

    To secrete hormones into the bloodstream that regulate body processes such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and blood sugar.

20. Which gland is called the 'master gland' and why?

    The pituitary gland, because it controls many other endocrine glands by releasing regulating hormones.

21. What are the five special senses and their primary sensory organs?

    Sight (eyes), hearing (ears), taste (tongue), smell (nose), and touch (skin).

22. What is the main function of the digestive system?

    To break down food into nutrients for absorption and to eliminate solid waste.

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