Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the parietal bones in the human skull?

Accepted Answer

Protection of the brain

Question 2

A forensic scientist is examining a long bone to estimate the age of a skeleton. Which structure should they examine, and what would it be composed of in a child?

Accepted Answer

Epiphyseal plate; hyaline cartilage

Question 3

If a person’s spongy bone were all replaced by compact bone, how would this affect their skeleton?

Accepted Answer

The skeleton would be stronger but also heavier.

Question 4

Which of the following substances are stored in bones?

Accepted Answer

Triglycerides and calcium

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why babies have relatively more red marrow than adults?

Accepted Answer

Babies require red blood cells to be produced quickly to accommodate growth.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct description of the periosteum?

Accepted Answer

It covers the outer surface of bone and consists of two layers.

Question 7

Which bone cell type becomes more active when blood calcium levels drop below $$8.6\ \mathrm{mg/dL}$$?

Accepted Answer

Osteoclasts

Question 8

A patient with osteoporosis has an imbalance in bone cell activity. Which cell is more active, and which is less active?

Accepted Answer

More active: Osteoclasts; Less active: Osteoblasts

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of canaliculi in bone tissue?

Accepted Answer

They allow osteocytes to receive nutrients and communicate with adjacent cells.

Question 10

If all collagen fibers in bone lamellae were oriented in the same direction, what would be the effect?

Accepted Answer

The bone would break more easily if stress were applied from a different direction.

Question 11

Which of the following is a unique feature of synovial joints?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a joint cavity

Question 12

Which of the following best explains the process of weeping lubrication in synovial joints?

Accepted Answer

Synovial fluid is squeezed out of articular cartilage during compression and reabsorbed during decompression.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the scapula is correct?

Accepted Answer

The glenoid cavity of the scapula articulates with the humerus.

Question 14

Which of the following best distinguishes between the axial and appendicular skeleton?

Accepted Answer

Axial: Skull, tail bone, ribs. Appendicular: Shoulder blades, wrist bones, knee cap.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the differences between the male and female pelvis is correct?

Accepted Answer

The angle of the male pelvic arch tends to be more acute than the female pelvic arch.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the periosteum’s fibrous layer?

Accepted Answer

To provide attachment sites for ligaments

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order of bone cell differentiation?

Accepted Answer

Osteoprogenitor → Osteoblast → Osteocyte

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of articular cartilage in synovial joints?

Accepted Answer

All three answers above are correct.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the structure of lamellae in compact bone is correct?

Accepted Answer

Collagen fibers run in alternate directions between lamellae, providing strength in multiple directions.

The Skeletal System: Structure, Function, and Anatomy

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