Question 1

Which of the following bones is NOT part of the axial skeleton?

Accepted Answer

Femur

Question 2

The foramen magnum is a large opening in which bone, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Occipital bone; passage for the spinal cord

Question 3

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between the axial and appendicular skeletons?

Accepted Answer

The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage, while the appendicular skeleton includes the limbs and girdles.

Question 4

A patient presents with difficulty moving their jaw and pain at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Which bones form this joint?

Accepted Answer

Mandible and temporal bone

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the axial skeleton?

Accepted Answer

Protection of the central nervous system

Question 6

The sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland, is a feature of which bone?

Accepted Answer

Sphenoid bone

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a suture in the adult human skull?

Accepted Answer

An immovable fibrous joint between skull bones

Question 8

A blow to the side of the head fractures the zygomatic arch. Which bones are directly involved in forming this arch?

Accepted Answer

Zygomatic bone and temporal bone

Question 9

Which of the following bones contains the mastoid process, a site for muscle attachment?

Accepted Answer

Temporal bone

Question 10

The hyoid bone is unique among bones of the axial skeleton because:

Accepted Answer

It does not articulate directly with any other bone

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the number of bones in the human skeleton decreases from infancy to adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Fusion of certain bones, such as cranial bones at sutures

Question 12

A patient has a fracture at the condylar process of the mandible. Which function is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Movement at the temporomandibular joint

Question 13

Which of the following foramina transmits the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory cranial nerves?

Accepted Answer

Jugular foramen

Question 14

The auditory ossicles are located within which part of the skull?

Accepted Answer

Temporal bone

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the paranasal sinuses?

Accepted Answer

Lighten the weight of the skull and enhance voice resonance

Question 16

A newborn's skull contains fontanelles. What is the primary function of these structures?

Accepted Answer

Allow for compression of the skull during birth and brain growth after birth

Question 17

Which bone forms the superior portion of the nasal septum?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid bone

Question 18

A patient suffers a fracture to the cribriform plate. Which sense is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Olfaction (sense of smell)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the bilateral symmetry of the human skeleton?

Accepted Answer

Most bones are paired and replicated on each side of the body

Question 20

A patient with a fracture to the hypophyseal fossa would most likely have damage to which structure?

Accepted Answer

Pituitary gland

Axial Skeleton: Skull & Hyoid Bone Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions