Human Anatomy and Physiology : Gross Anatomy

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #351 : Gross Anatomy

What "U"-shaped bone is the smallest in the body?

Possible Answers:

Maxilla

Stapes

None of these

Hyoid

Mandible

Correct answer:

Stapes

Explanation:

The stapes is "U"-shaped and is the smallest bone in the body located in the outer ear. The stapes, malleus, and incus (collectively known as the ossicles) convey sound to the inner ear. The hyoid is also "U"-shaped, but it is larger and located in the throat not the skull. The mandible is located in the skull and is "U"-shaped, but is massive in comparison to the stapes because the ossicles could all fit on a penny. The maxilla is not "U"-shaped.

Example Question #352 : Gross Anatomy

What is the foramen magnum?

Possible Answers:

The hole at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes

The small hole that connect the nasal cavity to the brain

The holes in the skull through which the jugular veins run

The holes on either side of the head that allow sound to enter the ear canal

Correct answer:

The hole at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes

Explanation:

The foramen magnum is the large hole through which the spinal cord passes connecting the spinal cord to the brainstem. The small holes that connect the nasal cavity to the brain are referred to as the cribriform plate. The internal auditory meatus are the holes in the side of the the head that allow sound to enter the ear canal. The jugular veins enter the skull through the jugular foramen, which is formed between the connection of the temporal and occipital bones.

Example Question #353 : Gross Anatomy

What bone is the forehead?

Possible Answers:

Frontal bone

Occipital

Parietal

Zygomatic

Correct answer:

Frontal bone

Explanation:

The frontal bone if the skull bone that is the most anterior and superior bone of the skull. It is the bone located in the forehead region of the face. The parietal bones are located on each side of the skull, near the ears. The occipital bone is located in the posterior and inferior aspect of the skull. The zygomatic bone is responsible for forming the cheekbones underneath the orbits.

Example Question #354 : Gross Anatomy

What facial feature does the mandible form?

Possible Answers:

The chin

The cheekbones

The ears

The nose

Correct answer:

The chin

Explanation:

The mandible is the lower jaw bone that forms the chin and jawline. The zygomatic bone forms cheekbones, the nasal bone forms the nose. The ears are formed from cartilage and have no bones in the visible portions.

Example Question #354 : Gross Anatomy

Where is the sagittal suture located?

Possible Answers:

Between the parietal bones

Between the parietal bones and occipital bone

Between the nasal and lacrimal bones

Between the maxilla and mandible

Correct answer:

Between the parietal bones

Explanation:

The sagittal suture is the longest suture in the skull and runs from the frontal bone, between the parietal bones, to the lambdoid suture. The lambdoid suture is the suture that forms between the parietal and occipital bones. There are no major sutures in the facial bones. 

Example Question #355 : Gross Anatomy

Where is the lacrimal bone?

Possible Answers:

Located behind the eyes

The lower jaw 

The posterior aspect of the skull

It forms a part of the orbit, nearest the nasal bone

Correct answer:

It forms a part of the orbit, nearest the nasal bone

Explanation:

The lacrimal bone is located in the orbit, nearest the nasal cavity. The sphenoid bone is located behind the eyes. The mandible makes up the lower jaw. Finally, the occipital bone is located in the posterior aspect of the skull.

Example Question #356 : Gross Anatomy

Which ossicle is closest to the skull?

Possible Answers:

Malleus

Anvil

Incus

Stapes

Correct answer:

Stapes

Explanation:

The stapes, or stirrup, is the ossicle closest to the skull. It is the last bone in the "chain" of ossicles. The incus, also known as the anvil, is the middle bone. The malleus, or hammer, is the most distal bone from the skull.

Example Question #151 : Bones

What are the nasal conchae?

Possible Answers:

Paired cavities located on either side of the nose

Curved shelves of bone found within the nasal cavity

Small irregular cavities found between the eyes

Structure the divides the nasal cavity into two halves

Correct answer:

Curved shelves of bone found within the nasal cavity

Explanation:

The nasal conchae are curved shelves of bone found within the nasal cavity; they filter, humidify, and heat inhaled air. The maxillary sinuses are paired cavities found on either side of the nose. The ethmoid sinuses are small irregular cavities found between the eyes. The nasal septum is the structure that divides the nasal cavity into two halves. 

Example Question #152 : Bones

What is the bony partition that separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity?

Possible Answers:

Hard palate

Teeth

Mandible

Soft palate

Correct answer:

Hard palate

Explanation:

The hard palate is the bony palate that separates the two cavities; it is made of the palatine bone and the maxilla. The soft palate helps prevent food and drink from entering the nasal cavity. Teeth allow for the tearing and grinding of food into smaller pieces for easier digestion. The mandible is the lower jaw bone.

Example Question #359 : Gross Anatomy

The sella turcica is part of which bone?

Possible Answers:

Frontal bone

Ethmoid bone

Parietal bone

Lacrimal bone

Sphenoid bone

Correct answer:

Sphenoid bone

Explanation:

The sella turcica is part of the sphenoid bone, and houses the pituitary gland.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors