Medical Coding CPC practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1A cut that divides the body into anterior and posterior sections is called the:
✓ Correct answer: C. Frontal (coronal) plane
The frontal (coronal) plane runs vertically and divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions. The sagittal plane divides right from left; the transverse plane divides superior from inferior.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q2Which directional term describes a structure closer to the point of attachment to the trunk?
✓ Correct answer: D. Proximal
Proximal means nearer to the point of attachment to the trunk. Distal is its opposite, meaning farther away. These terms are most commonly used for the limbs.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q3The thoracic cavity contains which of the following organs?
✓ Correct answer: C. Heart and lungs
The thoracic cavity is enclosed by the rib cage and diaphragm and contains the heart (in the mediastinum) and the lungs. The abdominopelvic cavity contains the stomach, liver, kidneys, bladder, and uterus.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q4The suffix '-ectomy' means:
✓ Correct answer: D. Surgical removal
-Ectomy means surgical excision or removal (e.g., appendectomy). -Plasty means surgical repair, -ostomy means creation of an opening, and -itis means inflammation.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q5The combining form 'hepat/o' refers to the:
✓ Correct answer: C. Liver
Hepat/o refers to the liver (e.g., hepatitis = inflammation of the liver). Nephr/o refers to the kidney, splen/o to the spleen, and cholecyst/o to the gallbladder.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q6The suffix '-plasty' means:
✓ Correct answer: A. Surgical repair or reconstruction
-Plasty refers to surgical repair or reconstruction (e.g., rhinoplasty = nose reshaping). -Ectomy is removal, -scopy is visual examination, and -tomy is incision.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q7The combining form 'cardi/o' refers to the:
✓ Correct answer: D. Heart
Cardi/o is the combining form for the heart. Angi/o or vas/o refers to blood vessels, pneum/o or pulmon/o refers to the lungs, and encephal/o refers to the brain.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q8The term 'polyarthritis' is correctly broken down as:
✓ Correct answer: B. Many joints / inflammation
Poly- means many, arthr/o is the combining form for joint, and -itis means inflammation. Therefore polyarthritis means inflammation of many joints simultaneously.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q9The olecranon is the bony prominence of which bone?
✓ Correct answer: D. Ulna
The olecranon is the proximal projection of the ulna that forms the point of the elbow. It articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus when the elbow is extended.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
Q10Which term describes a band of fibrous tissue connecting bone to bone?
✓ Correct answer: B. Ligament
A ligament connects bone to bone and provides joint stability. A tendon connects muscle to bone. Fascia is connective tissue surrounding muscles, and cartilage is a firm but flexible connective tissue.
Topic: Anatomy & Terminology
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