Human Anatomy and Physiology : Help with Types of Bone

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #381 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is true of compact bone?

Possible Answers:

It is the primary site of hematopoiesis

Its inner surface is lined with the periosteum

Osteoblasts are its most numerous cell population

It contains Haversian systems, which run longitudinally within the bone

Correct answer:

It contains Haversian systems, which run longitudinally within the bone

Explanation:

Compact bone contains Haversian systems, which run longitudinally within the bone.

The primary site of hematopoiesis in adults is the bone marrow, especially that of the pelvis, cranium, vertebrae, and sternum. The periosteum lines the outer surface of the bone; the endosteum lines its inner surface. The most numerous cell type within compact bone is the osteocyte, not the osteoblast.

Example Question #382 : Systems Physiology

Which statement about spongy bone is false?

Possible Answers:

It composes about 20 percent of the body's total bone structure

It is also known as cancellous bone or trabecular bone

It is dense and heavy because of the plentiful marrow stored in its cavities

Its processes are arranged at specific angles to withstand common sources of stress

Correct answer:

It is dense and heavy because of the plentiful marrow stored in its cavities

Explanation:

Spongy bone is made up of a fine lattice of bone tissue, filled with cavities. Even when these cavities is filled with marrow and other tissue, allowing spongy bone to be light in weight compared to compact bone. The other three statements listed are all true.

Example Question #1143 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

In adults, the greatest volume of red blood cells is produced by __________.

Possible Answers:

long bones

short bones

irregular bones

flat bones

Correct answer:

flat bones

Explanation:

The most prolific production sites for red blood cells are the pelvis, cranium, sternum, and vertebrae. Three out of these four sites are flat bones.

Example Question #383 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is true of sesamoid bones?

Possible Answers:

They are shaped similarly to long bones

They articulate directly with neighboring bones

They are some of the most commonly broken bones

They are embedded in tendons

Correct answer:

They are embedded in tendons

Explanation:

Part of the definition of a sesamoid bone is that it is embedded in a tendon. The patella is a classic example. Sesamoid bones are usually short or irregular in shape. They cannot articulate directly with neighboring bones because of the tendons that surround them. They are not commonly broken.

Example Question #391 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is true of the appendicular skeleton?

Possible Answers:

It is used for ambulation

It has fewer bones than the axial skeleton

Several of its bones are fused to one another to allow for greater stability

Its primary function is the protection of vital organs

Correct answer:

It is used for ambulation

Explanation:

The appendicular skeleton includes the legs and pelvis, which are the normal means of human ambulation. It contains 126 bones as compared to the 80 in the axial skeleton. The primary purpose of the axial skeleton is the protection of vital organs like the heart and lungs. Some bones in the axial skeleton are fused together for stability. The appendicular skeleton requires freedom of movement, which would be restricted by the fusion of its components.

Example Question #1153 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

What type of bone has a metaphysis?

Possible Answers:

Irregular bone

Long bone

Short bone

Flat bone

Correct answer:

Long bone

Explanation:

The metaphysis is the portion of bone between the ephiphyses at the ends of a long bone and the long diaphysis in the middle. None of the other bone types have this structure.

Example Question #392 : Systems Physiology

What are sesamoid bones?

Possible Answers:

Bones that tend to be equal in length and width

Bones that are longer than they are wide

Bones that form thin plates

Bones formed inside tendons

Correct answer:

Bones formed inside tendons

Explanation:

Sesamoid bones are those that are formed within tendons and/or muscles, like the patella. They usually act as pulleys, providing a smooth and hard surface over which a tendon may slide. A long bone is a bone that is longer than it is wide. A flat bone forms a thin plate. Finally, a short bone is a bone that tends to be equal in width and length. 

Example Question #393 : Systems Physiology

Which is a correct match between the bones and bone type?

Possible Answers:

Irregular bone - bones in wrist

Irregular bone - bones in upper arm

Flat bone - most bones in cranium

Short bone - bones in forearm

Long bone - bone in vertebrae

Correct answer:

Flat bone - most bones in cranium

Explanation:

The correct answer is flat bone - most bones in cranium.

Bones can be classified according to shape. There are four classifications of bones: long, short, flat and irregular. Long bones have a long shaft (diaphysis) with two bulky ends (epiphyses), such as bones in the arm, forearm, thigh and leg. Short bones are cubed shaped, such as the bones in the wrist and ankle. Flat bones are thin, flattened and usually curved, such as most bones in the cranium. Bones that do not fit into the flat, long or short categories are irregular bones and include bones in the vertebrae and some bones in the skull.

The correct match between bone and bone types for this question are as follows:

  • long bone = bones in forearm
  • short bone = bones in wrist
  • flat bone = most bones in cranium (correct answer choice)
  • irregular bone = bones in vertebrae
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