$$n = 2 + 3 \times (d - 1)$$, where $$n is $$the number of phalanges and $$d is $$the number of digits$

Question 1

Which bones make up the pectoral (shoulder) girdle, and what is their primary function?

Accepted Answer

Clavicle and scapula; they attach the upper limbs to the axial skeleton and provide muscle attachment sites

Question 2

Why does the pectoral girdle offer a greater degree of mobility compared to the pelvic girdle?

Accepted Answer

The scapulae are not attached to the axial skeleton and the socket of the shoulder joint is shallow

Question 3

A patient presents with a fracture at the acromial end of the clavicle. Which joint is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Acromioclavicular joint

Question 4

Which anatomical feature of the clavicle articulates with the sternum?

Accepted Answer

Sternal (medial) end

Question 5

The scapula has three borders. Which border runs parallel to the spine?

Accepted Answer

Medial (vertebral) border

Question 6

Which feature of the scapula forms the prominent ridge on its posterior surface?

Accepted Answer

Spine

Question 7

A baseball pitcher suffers an injury to the anatomical neck of the humerus. What is the clinical significance of this location?

Accepted Answer

It is a slight constriction inferior to the head and is a common site for dislocation

Question 8

Which bone forms the major portion of the elbow joint with the humerus?

Accepted Answer

Ulna

Question 9

The radial tuberosity is an important landmark because it:

Accepted Answer

Anchors the biceps muscle of the arm

Question 10

Which carpal bones primarily form the wrist joint?

Accepted Answer

Scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum

Question 11

A patient has lost the ability to flex their thumb. Which phalange is most likely injured?

Accepted Answer

Either the proximal or distal phalanx of digit I (pollex), since the thumb has no middle phalanx

Question 12

Which bones fuse to form the coxal (hip) bone?

Accepted Answer

Ilium, ischium, and pubis

Question 13

The acetabulum is a deep socket in the hip bone. What is its function?

Accepted Answer

It receives the head of the femur

Question 14

Which feature distinguishes the female pelvis from the male pelvis?

Accepted Answer

The female pelvis is wider, shallower, lighter, and adapted for childbearing

Question 15

A runner suffers a stress fracture in the bone that transmits weight from the femur to the foot. Which bone is affected?

Accepted Answer

Tibia

Question 16

Which tarsal bone forms the heel of the foot and bears most of the body’s weight?

Accepted Answer

Calcaneus

Question 17

The medial longitudinal arch of the foot is important because it:

Accepted Answer

Curves upwards and helps bear weight

Question 18

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of phalanges in the hand and the number of digits?

Accepted Answer

$$n = 2 + 3 	imes (d - 1)$$, where $$n is $$the number of phalanges and $$d is $$the number of digits$

Question 19

If a person has a fracture at the gluteal tuberosity of the femur, which muscle group is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Gluteal muscles

Appendicular Skeleton: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions