Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a function of the axial skeleton?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating movement of the limbs

Question 2

A patient presents with numbness and pain radiating down the leg after lifting a heavy object. Imaging reveals a herniated intervertebral disc. Which structure is most likely protruding and compressing a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus pulposus

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Mandible

Question 4

The foramen magnum is a large opening in which bone, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Occipital bone; passage of the spinal cord

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the difference between true ribs and floating ribs?

Accepted Answer

True ribs attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilage, while floating ribs do not attach to the sternum at all.

Question 6

A gymnast falls and fractures the bone that forms the anterior portion of the cranium and the forehead. Which bone is most likely fractured?

Accepted Answer

Frontal bone

Question 7

Which of the following vertebrae is characterized by the presence of a dens (odontoid process) that allows for rotation of the head?

Accepted Answer

Axis (C2)

Question 8

A patient with osteoporosis develops an exaggerated thoracic curvature, resulting in a hunched back. What is the clinical term for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Kyphosis

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the hyoid bone is correct?

Accepted Answer

It serves as an attachment for tongue and neck muscles.

Question 10

During CPR, why is it important to place hands on the body of the sternum and avoid the xiphoid process?

Accepted Answer

Pressure on the xiphoid process can break it off and damage underlying organs.

Question 11

Which equation best represents the total number of bones in the adult vertebral column, given the following: $$C = 7 ($$cervical), $$T = 12 ($$thoracic), $$L = 5 ($$lumbar), $$S = 1 ($$sacrum), $$Co = 1 ($$coccyx)?

Accepted Answer

$$C + T + L + S + Co = 26$$

Question 12

Which of the following bones is NOT paired in the adult human skull?

Accepted Answer

Vomer

Question 13

A patient has difficulty smelling after a head injury. Which bone, forming the roof of the nasal cavity and containing the cribriform plate, is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid bone

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They lighten the skull, humidify air, and enhance voice resonance.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Question 16

A child is diagnosed with scoliosis. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Lateral abnormal rotation of the spine

Question 17

Which of the following features is unique to cervical vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Transverse foramina

Question 18

Which bone forms the posterior wall of the pelvis and is composed of five fused vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Sacrum

Question 19

A patient with a head injury is unable to move their jaw. Which bone, forming the lower jaw and containing the alveolar process, is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Mandible

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the lumbar vertebrae are larger than cervical vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

They have to support more body weight.

The Human Skeleton: Structure and Function (Axial Skeleton Focus)

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