Question 1

Which structure is the basic functional unit of compact bone?

Accepted Answer

Osteon

Question 2

A patient suffers a fracture at the diaphysis of their femur. Which part of the bone is affected?

Accepted Answer

The shaft or central part of the bone

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the central canal (Haversian canal) in compact bone?

Accepted Answer

It contains one or more blood vessels and nerves

Question 4

Which bone forms the posterior part of the hard palate?

Accepted Answer

Palatine bone

Question 5

A patient has difficulty rotating their head side to side. Which vertebra is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Axis (C2)

Question 6

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of cervical vertebrae compared to thoracic and lumbar vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Presence of transverse foramen

Question 7

Which structure allows passage of the optic nerve from the eyes to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Optic foramen (optic canal)

Question 8

Which suture connects the parietal bones to the frontal bone?

Accepted Answer

Coronal suture

Question 9

A patient presents with a broken rib that does not attach to the sternum at all. Which type of rib is this?

Accepted Answer

Floating rib

Question 10

Which of the following structures is found only in the axis (C2) vertebra and allows for head rotation?

Accepted Answer

Dens (odontoid process)

Question 11

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between the number of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae in the human vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

$$n_{cervical} + n_{thoracic} + n_{lumbar} = 24$$

Question 12

Which bone contains the cribriform plate, allowing passage of olfactory nerves?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid bone

Question 13

Which marking is a sharp, slender projection that forms attachment points for connective tissues on vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Transverse process

Question 14

Which part of the sternum is most likely to fracture during CPR?

Accepted Answer

Xiphoid process

Question 15

Which equation best describes the total number of ribs in the human body?

Accepted Answer

$$n_{ribs} = 24$$

Question 16

Which bone forms the bridge of the nose?

Accepted Answer

Nasal bone

Question 17

Which structure is responsible for connecting blood vessels and nerves perpendicular to the central canal in compact bone?

Accepted Answer

Perforating canal (Volkmann's canal)

Question 18

Which bone articulates with the occipital condyles to allow nodding of the head?

Accepted Answer

Atlas (C1)

Question 19

Which marking is the cylindrical mass at the anterior region of each vertebra and is the weight-bearing structure?

Accepted Answer

Body

Question 20

Which equation represents the total number of vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions?

Accepted Answer

$$n_{total} = 7 + 12 + 5 + 1$$

Bone and Axial Skeleton: Structure, Identification, and Key Features

Study Guide - Practice Questions