Human Anatomy and Physiology : Identifying Bones of the Lower Extremities

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

What is the largest sesamoid bone in the body?

Possible Answers:

Pisiform

None of these

Scaphoid

Hamate

Patella

Correct answer:

Patella

Explanation:

Sesamoid bones are located in tendons or joint capsules. They reduce friction, increase the force the tendon can pull, and/or maintain the shape of tendons when they are taut. The largest sesamoid bone in the body is the patella. The pisiform is also a sesamoid bone, but is much smaller than the patella and is located in the wrist. The scaphoid and hamate are located in the wrist, but are not sesamoid.

Example Question #12 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

Which bony marking of the knee below can easily be felt through the skin on most people?

Possible Answers:

Tibial tuberosity

Olecranon

None of these

Soleal line

Lateral condyle

Correct answer:

Tibial tuberosity

Explanation:

The tibial tuberosity can be felt just inferior to the knee on the anterior side of the leg. The olecranon is also known as the elbow, and is part of the ulna. The lateral condyle is the insertion point for the biceps femoris, and cannot be palpated through the skin. The soleal line is on the posterior surface of the tibia, and is thus not palpable through the skin.

Example Question #11 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

What bone forms the shin?

Possible Answers:

Tibia

Fibula

Mandible

Femur

Correct answer:

Tibia

Explanation:

The bone that forms the shin is the tibia. This is palpable along the anterior surface of the lower limb. The fibula is also located in the lower leg, but is not part of the prominent ridge felt on the front of the leg, as it is deep. The femur is the bone found in the thigh. The mandible is the jaw bone.

Example Question #13 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

What type of bones are located within tendons to protect and ease movement of the tendon past the bone?

Possible Answers:

Flat bones

Long bones

Sesamoid bones

Irregular bones

Short bones

Correct answer:

Sesamoid bones

Explanation:

Sesamoid bones form inside tendons and/or muscles. They help ease the movement of a tendon past the bone, prevent deformation when the tendon is taut, and can also increase the force the tendon can pull by acting like a pulley. Examples of sesamoid bones are the patella in the knee and the sesamoid bones of the foot.

Example Question #14 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

The shaft of a long bone (such as the femur) is called the __________.

Possible Answers:

Metaphysis

diaphysis

epiphysis

medulla

periosteum

Correct answer:

diaphysis

Explanation:

Long bones have a body that is longer than it is wide (such as the femur, humerus, and phalanges). It consist of a tubular shaft (diaphysis) with growth plates (epiphyses) at either end. The shaft is composed of a hard outer surface of compact bone with a spongy interior (cancellous bone) that contains bone marrow. 

Example Question #15 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

In long bones, where is articular cartilage found?

Possible Answers:

Under the periosteum 

At the ends of bones

Surrounding the entire bone

At growth plates

Correct answer:

At the ends of bones

Explanation:

Long bones have a body that is longer than it is wide (such as the femur, humerus, and phalanges), with growth plates (epiphysis) at either end. The have a hard outer surface of compact bone and a spongy interior known as cancellous bone (contains bone marrow). Both ends of the bone are covered in hyaline cartilage to help protect the bone and decrease friction.

Example Question #272 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

What bone strikes the ground first in a person's normal walking gait?

Possible Answers:

Navicular

Talus

Calcaneus

First cuneiform

Cuboid

Correct answer:

Calcaneus

Explanation:

The calcaneus is the heel bone and generally strikes the ground first in a normal walking gate. It is the most posterior bone in the foot. The achilles tendon attaches to it posteriorly.

Example Question #16 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

Which of these bony landmarks are not found in the lower extremity?

Possible Answers:

Soleal line

Lateral supracondylar line

Popliteal fossa

Subclavian groove

Correct answer:

Subclavian groove

Explanation:

The popliteal fossa is part of the femur. The lateral supracondylar line is also part of the femur. The soleal line is part of the tibia. The the subclavian groove is part of the clavicle and is an attachment site for the subclavius muscle.

Example Question #17 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

With which of the following does the third cuneiform not articulate?

Possible Answers:

Third metatarsal 

Navicular

Second cuneiform 

Cuboid

Fifth metatarsal

Correct answer:

Fifth metatarsal

Explanation:

The third cuneiform articulates with the navicular, second cuneiform, cuboid, and second, third, and fourth metatarsals.

Example Question #16 : Identifying Bones Of The Lower Extremities

Which of the following landmarks is not part of the femur?

Possible Answers:

Gluteal tuberosity

Linea aspera

Soleal line

Adductor tubercle

Correct answer:

Soleal line

Explanation:

The linea aspera, gluteal tuberosity, and adductor tubercle are all landmarks found on the femur. The linea aspera is an attachment site for the adductor muscle group and the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis. A portion of the gluteus maximus attaches to the gluteal tuberosity. The adductor magnus attaches to the adductor tubercle. The soleal line is part of the tibia and serves as an attachment site for the soleus muscle.

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