TL;DR

Study the structure and function of major body systems and their clinical relevance. A solid foundation in anatomy and physiology underlies all clinical decision-making on the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA).

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-03

Free Surgical Anatomy & Physiology Practice Questions

CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) · Basic Science

This module covers Surgical Anatomy & Physiology as part of the Basic Science section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.

Exam	CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA)
Pass Rate	72%
Duration	240 minutes
Module	Surgical Anatomy & Physiology

Why Surgical Anatomy & Physiology matters

Surgical Anatomy & Physiology is a commonly tested topic on the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) because it covers fundamental knowledge required for competent professional practice.

Sample Practice Questions (5)

1. Which major blood vessel must be identified and carefully ligated or clipped during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage?

Common hepatic artery
Cystic artery
Superior mesenteric artery
Portal vein

2. The peritoneum that covers the abdominal organs is called the:

Parietal peritoneum
Visceral peritoneum
Mesentery
Omentum

3. Bleeding from the cystic artery during a cholecystectomy occurs. The surgical technologist should understand that the cystic artery is typically a branch of which vessel?

Left hepatic artery
Right hepatic artery
Gastroduodenal artery
Superior mesenteric artery

Want more practice like this?

Start practicing free →

4. Which organ is located in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) and is at risk of injury during a left lateral approach to the kidney?

Liver
Gallbladder
Spleen
Cecum

5. The appendix is located in which abdominal quadrant?

Right upper quadrant (RUQ)
Right lower quadrant (RLQ)
Left lower quadrant (LLQ)
Left upper quadrant (LUQ)

Ready to practice for the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA)?

Adaptive practice powered by Item Response Theory targets your weak areas. Start with 3 free sessions.

Start free practice →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Surgical Anatomy & Physiology questions are on the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA)?▼

The Basic Science section, which includes Surgical Anatomy & Physiology, typically represents a significant portion of the exam. Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorizing exact question counts, as the exam uses adaptive testing.

What is the best way to study Surgical Anatomy & Physiology?▼

Use active recall and spaced repetition rather than passive reading. Practice with realistic exam questions, review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers, and focus on understanding the reasoning behind each concept.

What topics within Surgical Anatomy & Physiology should I focus on most?▼

Focus on the concepts that appear in our practice questions and any areas where you consistently score below 70%. The adaptive practice mode will automatically target your weak areas for efficient study.