Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between compact bone and spongy bone in terms of structure and function?

Accepted Answer

Compact bone contains osteons and provides support and protection, while spongy bone lacks osteons and is primarily involved in blood cell production.

Question 2

A 12-year-old child suffers a fracture at the distal femur. X-ray shows a black line at the metaphysis. What does this indicate about the bone's growth?

Accepted Answer

The presence of a black line indicates an active epiphyseal plate, meaning the bone is still growing in length.

Question 3

Which sequence correctly describes the steps of endochondral ossification?

Accepted Answer

Chondroblasts secrete cartilage matrix → cartilage calcifies and chondrocytes die → blood vessels invade → primary ossification center forms → secondary ossification centers form in epiphyses → bone replaces cartilage except at epiphyseal plates and articular cartilage.

Question 4

Which hormone increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity, and what is the effect on bone tissue?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid hormone (PTH); it increases bone resorption, releasing calcium into the blood.

Question 5

A patient presents with a comminuted fracture. Which of the following best describes this type of fracture?

Accepted Answer

The bone is broken into three or more pieces.

Question 6

During the healing of a bone fracture, which stage involves the formation of a fibrocartilaginous (soft) callus, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Second stage; it connects the broken bone ends and provides a framework for new bone formation.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the periosteum is correct?

Accepted Answer

It consists of an outer fibrous layer and an inner cellular layer containing osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why bones become brittle in osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder affecting collagen production?

Accepted Answer

Collagen fibers provide flexible strength; without them, bones lack flexibility and become brittle.

Question 9

Which process is responsible for the formation of flat bones such as the skull and clavicle, and what is the initial tissue involved?

Accepted Answer

Intramembranous ossification; mesenchymal (fibrous connective) tissue.

Question 10

A 60-year-old woman is diagnosed with osteoporosis. Which of the following best explains the pathophysiology of her condition?

Accepted Answer

There is increased bone resorption relative to bone formation, leading to porous and weak bones.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes appositional bone growth?

Accepted Answer

It increases the diameter of bones and occurs at the periosteum throughout life.

Question 12

Which cell type is responsible for breaking down bone matrix, and from which lineage is it derived?

Accepted Answer

Osteoclasts; derived from white blood cells (monocyte lineage).

Question 13

A patient has a blood calcium level of $$6.5\ \mathrm{mg/dL} ($$normal: $$8.5-10.5\ \mathrm{mg/dL}). $$Which hormonal response is most likely to occur, and what is the expected effect on bone?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion increases, stimulating osteoclasts to resorb bone and release calcium.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the medullary cavity in long bones?

Accepted Answer

It contains red bone marrow in children and yellow bone marrow in adults.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of canaliculi in compact bone?

Accepted Answer

They form pathways for blood vessels and facilitate exchange of nutrients and wastes between osteocytes.

Question 16

A 35-year-old male suffers a spiral fracture of the tibia. Which of the following best describes this type of fracture and its likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The bone is twisted apart, usually due to a rotational force such as a sports injury.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about hyaline cartilage is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is avascular, contains chondrocytes in lacunae, and is surrounded by perichondrium except at articular surfaces.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the removal of calcium salts from bone would result in a 'rubbery' bone?

Accepted Answer

Calcium salts provide compression strength; without them, the bone loses rigidity and becomes flexible.

Question 19

Which of the following bones is classified as a sesamoid bone, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Patella; it protects tendons from compressive forces and improves leverage.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between the epiphyseal plate and the epiphyseal line?

Accepted Answer

The epiphyseal plate is made of hyaline cartilage and indicates ongoing bone growth, while the epiphyseal line is bone tissue indicating growth has stopped.

Bone Tissue and the Skeletal System: Structure, Function, and Growth

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