Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Scapula

Question 2

A patient presents with facial pain radiating around the ear and difficulty opening the mouth fully. Which joint is most likely involved, and what is a common cause of this syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Temporomandibular joint; muscle spasm due to bruxism

Question 3

Which foramen allows passage of the internal jugular vein from the brain?

Accepted Answer

Jugular foramen

Question 4

The sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland, is a feature of which bone?

Accepted Answer

Sphenoid

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the nasal conchae?

Accepted Answer

They create turbulence in inhaled air, warming, humidifying, and filtering it.

Question 6

A cleft palate results from the failure of which bones to fuse during development?

Accepted Answer

Maxillae

Question 7

Which vertebra is characterized by the presence of the dens (odontoid process)?

Accepted Answer

Axis (C2)

Question 8

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of lumbar vertebrae compared to thoracic vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar vertebrae have no costal facets and have a larger, thicker body.

Question 9

Which bone forms the inferior portion of the bony nasal septum?

Accepted Answer

Vomer

Question 10

A patient suffers a blow to the base of the skull, resulting in fatal injury due to the dens being forced into the brainstem. Which articulation is involved?

Accepted Answer

Atlas-axis joint

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the paranasal sinuses?

Accepted Answer

They provide attachment sites for muscles of mastication.

Question 12

Which ligament helps maintain the cervical curvature without muscular effort and attaches from the external occipital crest to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Ligamentum nuchae

Question 13

Which of the following ribs are considered 'floating ribs'?

Accepted Answer

Ribs 11 and 12

Question 14

Which bone does NOT contribute to the formation of the orbit?

Accepted Answer

Mandible

Question 15

A dentist anesthetizes a nerve before working on a patient’s lower teeth. Through which foramen does this nerve enter the mandible?

Accepted Answer

Mandibular foramen

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the articulation between the occipital condyles and the atlas?

Accepted Answer

Permits nodding movements of the head

Question 17

Which bone contains the cribriform plate, through which olfactory nerves pass?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the hyoid bone?

Accepted Answer

Supports the larynx and is an attachment site for muscles of the tongue

Question 19

Which vertebral region is most likely to be affected by kyphosis?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic

Question 20

Which part of the sternum is used as a landmark during CPR and is at risk of being fractured if pressure is applied incorrectly?

Accepted Answer

Xiphoid process

Ch 7: The Axial Skeleton: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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