Question 1

Which structure is responsible for housing osteocytes within compact bone?

Accepted Answer

Lacunae

Question 2

A patient presents with a fracture at the surgical neck of the humerus. Which anatomical feature is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Surgical neck

Question 3

Which bone contains the foramen magnum?

Accepted Answer

Occipital bone

Question 4

What is the function of canaliculi in compact bone?

Accepted Answer

Connect lacunae and facilitate exchange of nutrients and waste between osteocytes

Question 5

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of cervical vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Transverse foramina

Question 6

If a bone is placed in acid, which component is removed and what characteristic does the bone retain?

Accepted Answer

Inorganic minerals are removed; bone becomes flexible

Question 7

Which part of the scapula articulates with the head of the humerus?

Accepted Answer

Glenoid cavity

Question 8

Which suture separates the parietal bones from the occipital bone?

Accepted Answer

Lambdoid suture

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Permit growth and shape change during birth

Question 10

Which bone forms the only movable joint in the skull?

Accepted Answer

Mandible

Question 11

Which process on the ulna forms the point of the elbow?

Accepted Answer

Olecranon process

Question 12

Which structure passes through the optic foramen?

Accepted Answer

Optic nerve

Question 13

Which ribs are called 'floating ribs' and why?

Accepted Answer

Ribs 11-12; they do not attach to the sternum

Question 14

Which part of the femur serves as the insertion point for the gluteus maximus muscle?

Accepted Answer

Gluteal tuberosity

Question 15

Which bone is commonly referred to as the 'shin'?

Accepted Answer

Tibia

Question 16

Which anatomical feature is found only in thoracic vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Costal facets

Question 17

A patient with osteoporosis has bones that are more likely to fracture because:

Accepted Answer

The inorganic mineral content is decreased

Question 18

Which part of the coxal bone provides attachment for abdominal wall muscles and is a landmark for intramuscular injections?

Accepted Answer

Iliac crest

Question 19

Which structure is found in both compact bone and hyaline cartilage, but contains different cell types?

Accepted Answer

Lacunae

Question 20

If a bone is baked, which component is removed and what is the resulting characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Organic matrix is removed; bone becomes brittle

Skeletal System: Bones, Cartilage, and Key Structures

Study Guide - Practice Questions