NCLEX : Bone Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Musculoskeletal System And Anatomy

The length of long bones is increased via the hypertrophy and eventual apoptosis of chondrocytes which leave cavities that are then colonized by osteoprogenitor cells. This process is referred to as __________.

Possible Answers:

apoptotic ossification

endochondral ossification

osteoblast mineralization

endochondral mineralization

Correct answer:

endochondral ossification

Explanation:

Long bones are lengthened during childhood and adolescence via a process referred to as endochondral ossification. In this process, chondrocytes of the growth plate hypertrophy and eventual die, leaving cavities that are then colonized by osteoprogenitor cells. These osteoprogenitor cells then differentiate into osteoblasts, which mineralize the newly forming bone. None of the other answers are actual processes in bone formation or physiology.

Example Question #12 : Bone Physiology

Which of the following is not a common site of hematopoietic bone marrow in an adult?

Possible Answers:

Sternum

Skull

Tibia and fibula

Pelvis

Correct answer:

Tibia and fibula

Explanation:

In adults, hematopoietic bone marrow is generally confined to the flat bones, including the sternum, the skull, the ribs, and the pelvis. Hematopoietic bone marrow also exists in the proximal end of the femur in most adults, but is not generally found in the tibia or fibula. 

Example Question #52 : Musculoskeletal System And Anatomy

Muscle is attached to the periosteum of bone via which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Sutures

Tendons

Ligaments

Articular cartilage

Correct answer:

Tendons

Explanation:

Muscle attaches to bone via tendons, fibrous extensions of the sheath of the muscle body that are primarily composed of tightly packed collagen fibers. In comparison, ligaments attach bones to other bones without involvement with a muscle, such as the ligaments between the metacarpals of the wrist. Sutures are fibrous joints of the cranium, and hyaline cartilage is at the point of articulation of many bones but it is neither incorporated into muscle structure, nor does it attach to the bone with which it articulates. Rather, articular cartilage primarily serves to allow bones to glide more easily over each other during movement.

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