Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Scapula

Question 2

A patient presents with a herniated disc compressing a spinal nerve. Which structure is most likely protruding?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus pulposus

Question 3

Which cranial bone contains the sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland?

Accepted Answer

Sphenoid bone

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Transverse foramen

Question 5

The nasal septum is formed by which combination of bones and cartilage?

Accepted Answer

Perpendicular plate of ethmoid, vomer, and septal cartilage

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

They lighten the weight of the skull and add resonance to the voice

Question 7

A patient with osteoporosis suffers a collapse of thoracic vertebrae, resulting in an exaggerated thoracic curvature. What is this condition called?

Accepted Answer

Kyphosis

Question 8

Which ligament runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and helps prevent hyperextension of the vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Question 9

Which of the following bones does NOT contribute to the formation of the orbit?

Accepted Answer

Vomer

Question 10

A newborn’s skull contains fontanelles. What is the primary function of these structures?

Accepted Answer

To allow for compression of the skull during birth and postnatal brain growth

Question 11

Which ribs are classified as floating ribs?

Accepted Answer

Ribs 11–12

Question 12

Which bone is unique in that it does not articulate with any other bone?

Accepted Answer

Hyoid bone

Question 13

A patient presents with numbness and muscle weakness in the lower limb after lifting a heavy object. Imaging reveals a herniated disc at L4-L5. Which structure is most likely compressing the spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus pulposus

Question 14

Which of the following is a secondary curvature of the vertebral column that develops as a child begins to walk?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar curvature

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the composition of an intervertebral disc?

Accepted Answer

A gel-like nucleus pulposus surrounded by a fibrous anulus fibrosus

Question 16

Which of the following bones forms the posterior portion of the hard palate?

Accepted Answer

Palatine bone

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Articular facets for ribs

Question 18

Which suture separates the parietal bones from the occipital bone?

Accepted Answer

Lambdoid suture

Question 19

Which of the following bones contains the cribriform plate, which allows passage of olfactory nerves?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid bone

Question 20

A patient is diagnosed with lordosis. Which region of the vertebral column is affected?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar

The Axial Skeleton: Structure and Function

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