Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Femur

Question 2

The lambdoid suture separates which two bones?

Accepted Answer

Occipital and parietal bones

Question 3

Which marking on the occipital bone articulates with the first cervical vertebra?

Accepted Answer

Occipital condyle

Question 4

What is the primary function of the paranasal sinuses?

Accepted Answer

To decrease the weight of the skull and serve as resonating chambers in speech

Question 5

Which bone forms the anterior part of the cranium and the roof of the eye sockets?

Accepted Answer

Frontal bone

Question 6

The sella turcica is a feature of which bone, and what does it contain?

Accepted Answer

Sphenoid bone; contains the pituitary gland

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the axial skeleton?

Accepted Answer

Supports and protects organs in body cavities

Question 8

Which bone is NOT a facial bone?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid

Question 9

The vertebral column consists of how many bones in total?

Accepted Answer

26

Question 10

Which vertebral region is responsible for balancing the weight of the trunk over the lower limbs?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar curve

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

It has no body or spinous process

Question 12

Which ribs are classified as 'floating ribs'?

Accepted Answer

Ribs 11–12

Question 13

Which structure forms the posterior margin of each vertebral foramen?

Accepted Answer

Vertebral arch

Question 14

Which bone contains the cribriform plate and is involved in the sense of smell?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid

Question 15

A patient presents with difficulty in speech resonance and frequent sinus infections. Which bone's abnormality is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Maxilla (maxillary sinuses)

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Lumbar vertebrae have no costal facets

Question 17

Which bone supports the larynx and attaches muscles of the tongue, but does not articulate with any other bone?

Accepted Answer

Hyoid bone

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

$$8 + 14 + 6 + 1 + 24 + 1 + 1 = 80$$

Question 19

Which suture is located between the parietal bones and the frontal bone?

Accepted Answer

Coronal suture

Question 20

During birth, the infant skull can flex due to the presence of which structures?

Accepted Answer

Fontanelles

The Axial Skeleton: Structure, Function, and Key Features

Study Guide - Practice Questions