Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the shoulder joint is more mobile but less stable than the hip joint?

Accepted Answer

The scapula is only supported by skeletal muscles and does not attach directly to the axial skeleton.

Question 2

A patient presents with a fracture at the surgical neck of the humerus. Why is this clinically significant?

Accepted Answer

It is a common site of fractures due to its location at the metaphysis of the growing bone.

Question 3

Which bone feature serves as the attachment point for the patellar ligament?

Accepted Answer

Tibial tuberosity

Question 4

A runner suffers a Pott’s fracture. Which bones are most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Medial malleolus of the tibia and lateral malleolus of the fibula

Question 5

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of the female pelvis compared to the male pelvis?

Accepted Answer

Wider pelvic outlet and pubic angle of 100 degrees or more

Question 6

Which carpal bone is most likely to be fractured when someone falls on an outstretched hand?

Accepted Answer

Scaphoid

Question 7

A patient with carpal tunnel syndrome is experiencing pain and weakness in the wrist. What is the most likely anatomical cause?

Accepted Answer

Compression of the median nerve due to inflammation of connective tissues between the flexor retinaculum and carpal bones

Question 8

Which of the following bones does NOT articulate with the femur?

Accepted Answer

Fibula

Question 9

During childbirth, which pelvic structure must widen to allow passage of the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic outlet

Question 10

Which ligament is loosened by the hormone relaxin during pregnancy to increase the size of the pelvic inlet and outlet?

Accepted Answer

Pubic symphysis and sacro-iliac ligaments

Question 11

Which surface feature of the scapula is located anteriorly and serves as an attachment for the subscapularis muscle?

Accepted Answer

Subscapular fossa

Question 12

Which bone marking on the humerus is the site for the attachment of the deltoid muscle?

Accepted Answer

Deltoid tuberosity

Question 13

A child’s skeleton is examined and the epiphyseal cartilages are still present. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The child is still growing and the long bones have not yet fused.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the interosseous membrane between the radius and ulna?

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes the two bones and provides additional surface area for muscle attachment.

Question 15

Which tarsal bone directly receives the body’s weight from the tibia?

Accepted Answer

Talus

Question 16

A forensic anthropologist finds a pelvis with a pubic angle of 110 degrees and a wide pelvic outlet. What can be inferred?

Accepted Answer

The pelvis is likely from a female.

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the phalanges of the hand?

Accepted Answer

The thumb (pollex) has two phalanges, while the other fingers have three each.

Question 18

Which anatomical feature is found on the posterior surface of the femur and serves as an attachment site for hip muscles?

Accepted Answer

Linea aspera

Question 19

A patient has lost the longitudinal arch of the foot. What condition does this describe, and what is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Flatfeet; decreased shock absorption during walking

Question 20

Which of the following statements about age-related changes in the skeleton is correct?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in bone mass and mineral content increases the risk of osteoporosis after age 65.

The Appendicular Skeleton: Structure, Function, and Variation

Study Guide - Practice Questions