High School Biology : Musculoskeletal System
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Musculoskeletal System
What is the function of osteoclasts?
Bone formation
Bone resorption
Merging bone cells
Storage of excess osteocytes
Diversification of osteocytes
Bone resorption
Osteoclasts are cells that resorb, or destroy bone, and are found in lacunae of bones. Since one of the functions of bone is storage of minerals, if the mineral content of the blood drops below the set point, osteoclasts are recruited. They break down bone, releasing the minerals into the blood. Osteoblasts do the opposite. If the levels of minerals in the blood are higher than the set point, osteoblasts will take them and convert them into bone via a process called bone formation, or ossification.
Example Question #71 : Tissues, Organs, And Organ Systems
What type of bone cell is active during the formation of new bone and during the production of bone during bone remodeling?
Osteocytes
Osteocrysts
Osteoblasts
Chondrocytes
Osteoclasts
Osteoblasts
There are actually only three types of bone cells: osteocytes, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are the "builders" (think "blasts build") and are responsible for laying down new bone for the constant bone remodeling that goes on throughout all your life as well as initial bone growth. Osteoclasts are the opposite of osteoblasts and are also active in bone remodeling by taking old bone away (think "clasts kill"). Osteocytes are the third and final type that are inactive and are found in individual lacunae (think "cytes sit"). Chondrocytes are cartilage cells.
Example Question #8 : Understanding Bones
Which of the following cells are responsible for breaking and absorbing bone?
Hepatocyte
Follicular cell
Neuron
Osteoblast
Osteoclast
Osteoclast
Osteoclasts break bone and cause calcium to be reabsorbed into the blood stream whereas osteoblasts lay foundations for new bone mineralization.
Example Question #72 : Tissues, Organs, And Organ Systems
What is the name of a muscle that assists another muscle by stabilizing or positioning the surrounding bones?
Agonist
Antagonist
Synergist
Tendon
Synergist
During muscle contraction, the muscle deemed the agonist will contract while the antagonist will stretch. The agonist will cause the primary action and the antagonist would cause an opposite action. Synergists assist the agonist by stabilizing the origin bone, which facilitates movements and posture.
For example, the biceps brachii (agonist) is used to flex the arm, while the triceps brachii (antagonist) is used to straighten the arm. The brachialis is also used to flex the arm, but in a different way, making it a synergist to the biceps brachii.
Tendons are separate from muscle, and are used to secure a muscle attachment to bone.
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