Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Scapula

Question 2

A forensic anthropologist is examining a skull to determine the sex of an individual. Which feature would most likely indicate a male skull?

Accepted Answer

A pronounced external occipital protuberance

Question 3

Which suture connects the frontal bone to the parietal bones?

Accepted Answer

Coronal suture

Question 4

The vertebral column is divided into regions. Which region contains vertebrae that articulate with ribs?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic region

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the paranasal sinuses?

Accepted Answer

Humidifying and warming inhaled air

Question 6

A patient presents with difficulty swallowing and speech. Which bone, not articulating with any other bone, is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Hyoid bone

Question 7

Which of the following formulas correctly represents the total number of bones in the adult axial skeleton?

Accepted Answer

$$22 + 26 + 1 + 24 = 73$$

Question 8

Which feature is unique to cervical vertebrae and allows passage of the vertebral artery?

Accepted Answer

Transverse foramen

Question 9

A patient suffers a fracture to the dens. Which vertebra is affected?

Accepted Answer

Axis (C2)

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Palatine bone

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the development of the axial skeleton is correct?

Accepted Answer

Most vertebrae develop from sclerotomes, which are blocks of mesoderm surrounding the neural tube.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Ribs 11 and 12

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Sphenoid bone

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Transfers the weight of the upper body to the lower limbs

Question 15

Which of the following bones is paired in the adult human skull?

Accepted Answer

Parietal bone

Question 16

Which of the following features is found on the occipital bone and serves as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles?

Accepted Answer

External occipital protuberance

Question 17

Which of the following bones forms part of the medial wall of the orbit and contains a groove for the nasolacrimal duct?

Accepted Answer

Lacrimal bone

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly represents the number of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae in the adult vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

$$7 + 12 + 5 = 24$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of fontanelles in the fetal skull?

Accepted Answer

They allow for flexibility during birth and brain growth in infancy.

Question 20

Which of the following bones is NOT a facial bone?

Accepted Answer

Parietal bone

The Axial Skeleton: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions