Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Clavicle

Question 2

A patient presents with a fracture to the bone that forms the lower jaw. Which bone is affected?

Accepted Answer

Mandible

Question 3

Which cranial bone contains the sella turcica, a depression that houses the pituitary gland?

Accepted Answer

Sphenoid

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

To allow for rapid brain growth and easier passage through the birth canal

Question 5

Which of the following vertebrae is characterized by the presence of transverse foramina?

Accepted Answer

Cervical vertebrae

Question 6

A patient with excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar spine is diagnosed with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Lordosis

Question 7

Which bone marking serves as the passageway for the spinal cord to exit the skull?

Accepted Answer

Foramen magnum

Question 8

The hyoid bone is unique because:

Accepted Answer

It does not articulate directly with any other bone

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

They lighten the weight of the skull and enhance voice resonance

Question 10

A patient with a lateral curvature of the vertebral column most likely has:

Accepted Answer

Scoliosis

Question 11

Which of the following formulas correctly represents the total number of vertebrae in a typical adult human spine?

Accepted Answer

$7 + 12 + 5 + 5 + 4 = 33$

Question 12

Which bone forms the posterior base of the cranium and contains the foramen magnum?

Accepted Answer

Occipital bone

Question 13

A patient suffers a blow to the side of the head, fracturing the bone that forms the prominence of the cheek. Which bone is fractured?

Accepted Answer

Zygomatic bone

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the atlas (C1) vertebra is correct?

Accepted Answer

It articulates with the occipital condyles of the skull

Question 15

The thoracic cage is composed of all the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Clavicle

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid

Question 17

A patient with a herniated disc between L4 and L5 is experiencing pain. Which region of the vertebral column is affected?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the articulation between the head of a rib and the vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

The head of the rib articulates with the costal facet on the body of the vertebra

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the spinal cord

Question 20

A patient with a fracture to the dens (odontoid process) would have an injury to which vertebra?

Accepted Answer

Axis (C2)

The Axial Skeleton: Cranial Bones and Important Bone Markings

Study Guide - Practice Questions