Human Anatomy and Physiology : Bones

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Bones

Which of the following types of vertebrae tend to be fused in the adult skeleton?

Possible Answers:

A healthy adult skeleton does not contain fused vertebrae

Cervical

Lumbar

Thoracic

Sacral

Correct answer:

Sacral

Explanation:

The sacral vertebrae, generally 4-6 in number, are fused in the adult to form the sacrum. Additionally, the coccygeal vertebrae are fused in many individuals to form the coccyx. These are the two types of vertebra that are typically fused in the adult skeleton.

The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae do not fuse under normal circumstances.

Example Question #22 : Bones

Which of the following types of vertebrae are the smallest weight-supporting vertebrae?

Possible Answers:

Lumbar

Coccygeal

Cervical

Sacral

Thoracic

Correct answer:

Cervical

Explanation:

The cervical vertebrae are the smallest weight-supporting vertebra. The coccygeal and terminal sacral vertebrae are smaller, but they support no weight. The thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are larger in size.

Example Question #22 : Bones

The first seven ribs are __________ ribs.

Possible Answers:

true

visceral

appendicular

false

floating

Correct answer:

true

Explanation:

The first seven ribs are true ribs, in that they articulate with the sternum at the readily observable costal (rib) notches. The 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs are false ribs in that they do not articulate directly with the sternum, but with a cartilage which articulates with the sternum. The 11th and 12th ribs are floating ribs, in that they do not connect at all to the sternum.

Example Question #21 : Bones

The 11th and 12th ribs are __________ ribs.

Possible Answers:

floating

articular

true

false

appendicular

Correct answer:

floating

Explanation:

The 11th and 12th ribs are floating ribs, in that they do not connect at all to the sternum. The first seven ribs are true ribs, in that they articulate with the sternum at the readily observvable costal (rib) notches. The 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs are false ribs in that they do not articulate directly with the sternum, but with a cartilage which articulates with the sternum. 

Example Question #22 : Bones

The 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs are __________ ribs.

Possible Answers:

true

floating

appendicular

somatic

false

Correct answer:

false

Explanation:

The 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs are false ribs in that they do not articulate directly with the sternum, but with a cartilage which articulates with the sternum. The first seven ribs are true ribs, in that they articulate with the sternum at the readily observable costal (rib) notches. The 11th and 12th ribs are floating ribs, in that they do not connect at all to the sternum.

Example Question #23 : Bones

The number of vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, respectively, are: ______________________________.

Possible Answers:

twelve . . . five . . . seven

seven . . . five . . . twelve

seven . . . twelve . . . five

twelve . . . seven . . . five

five . . . seven . . . twelve

Correct answer:

seven . . . twelve . . . five

Explanation:

The cervical spine has 7 vertebrae, the thoracic has 12, and the lumbar has 5.

Example Question #21 : Bones

How many components are there to the sternum?

Possible Answers:

Five

Two

Three

Four

One

Correct answer:

Three

Explanation:

The sternum is composed of 3 separate portions: the manubrium, the body of the sternum, and the xiphoid process.

Example Question #24 : Bones

What is the most inferior portion of the sternum?

Possible Answers:

Humerus

Body of the sternum

Clavicle

Manubrium

Xiphoid process

Correct answer:

Xiphoid process

Explanation:

The most inferior portion of the sternum is the xiphoid. The most superior portion of the sternum is the manubrium. The body of the sternum is just inferior to the manubrium. The clavicle and the humerus are not part of the sternum.

Example Question #25 : Bones

What is the middle portion of the sternum known as?

Possible Answers:

Xiphoid process

Body of the sternum

Clavicle

Manubrium

Humerus

Correct answer:

Body of the sternum

Explanation:

The middle portion of the sternum is the body of the sternum. The most superior portion of the sternum is the manubrium. The xiphoid process is the most inferior portion of the sternum. The clavicle and the humerus are not part of the sternum.

Example Question #26 : Bones

What is the most superior portion of the sternum?

Possible Answers:

Body of the sternum

Clavicle

Humerus

Manubrium

Xiphoid process

Correct answer:

Manubrium

Explanation:

The most superior portion of the sternum is the manubrium. The body of the sternum is just inferior to the manubrium. The xiphoid process is the most inferior portion of the sternum. The clavicle and the humerus are not part of the sternum.

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