Question 1

Which bone is considered the 'keystone' of the skull because it articulates with almost every other cranial bone and contains the sella turcica?

Accepted Answer

Sphenoid bone

Question 2

A forensic pathologist finds a fractured hyoid bone during an autopsy. What is the most likely implication of this finding?

Accepted Answer

The individual experienced strangulation

Question 3

Which suture connects the two parietal bones along the midline of the skull?

Accepted Answer

Sagittal suture

Question 4

The external occipital protuberance (EOP) is a bony landmark found on which bone, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Occipital bone; attachment for neck muscles

Question 5

Which cranial nerve passes through the cribriform plate, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

CN I (Olfactory); smell

Question 6

A patient presents with hearing loss and balance issues. Which part of the temporal bone is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Petrous part

Question 7

Which bone does NOT directly articulate with any other bone and is crucial for speech and swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Hyoid bone

Question 8

The foramen magnum is a large opening in the occipital bone. What structure passes through it?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord

Question 9

Which process of the temporal bone serves as the attachment site for the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Accepted Answer

Mastoid process

Question 10

A patient has difficulty with facial expressions and chewing. Damage to which cranial nerve and its associated foramen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

CN VII (Facial); stylomastoid foramen

Question 11

Which suture is the weakest part of the temporal bone and connects the temporal and parietal bones?

Accepted Answer

Squamous suture

Question 12

The zygomatic process of the temporal bone articulates with which bone to form the cheekbone?

Accepted Answer

Zygomatic bone

Question 13

Which bone contains the cribriform plate and the perpendicular plate, contributing to the nasal septum and olfactory function?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid bone

Question 14

A lesion affecting the superior orbital fissure would most likely impact which cranial nerves? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

CN III (Oculomotor), CN IV (Trochlear), CN VI (Abducens), and ophthalmic branch of CN V (Trigeminal)

Question 15

Which formula correctly represents the number of paired parietal bones in the human skull?

Accepted Answer

$n_{parietal} = 2$

Question 16

Which bone forms the anterior portion of the nasal septum and is important for separating the nasal cavities?

Accepted Answer

Vomer bone

Question 17

If the lambdoid suture is damaged, which bones are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Occipital and parietal bones

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the skull that involves cranial nerves carrying motor commands from the brain to muscles in the face, head, and neck?

Accepted Answer

Motor control

Question 19

A patient has impaired smell. Which bone and its feature are most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid bone; cribriform plate

Question 20

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of cranial nerves and their pairs?

Accepted Answer

$n_{cranial	ext{ }nerves} = 12$

Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide: The Skull and Cranial Nerves

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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