Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
Sample Questions and Asnwers
Which of the following bones is part of the axial skeleton?
a) Femur
b) Humerus
c) Sternum
d) Scapula
Answer: c) Sternum
Explanation: The axial skeleton includes bones along the body’s midline, such as the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. The femur, humerus, and scapula are part of the appendicular skeleton.
What is the primary function of the axial skeleton?
a) Movement
b) Protection
c) Blood cell production
d) Storage of minerals
Answer: b) Protection
Explanation: The axial skeleton protects vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs. It also provides support and structure to the body.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the skeletal system?
a) Hematopoiesis
b) Storage of minerals
c) Hormone production
d) Thermoregulation
Answer: d) Thermoregulation
Explanation: The skeletal system is involved in hematopoiesis (blood cell production), mineral storage, and hormone production (e.g., osteocalcin), but it does not directly regulate body temperature.
Which of the following is the longest bone in the human body?
a) Humerus
b) Femur
c) Tibia
d) Radius
Answer: b) Femur
Explanation: The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, supporting the weight of the body during movement.
Which muscle is responsible for flexing the forearm at the elbow?
a) Biceps brachii
b) Triceps brachii
c) Brachioradialis
d) Deltoid
Answer: a) Biceps brachii
Explanation: The biceps brachii muscle, located in the upper arm, is primarily responsible for flexing the forearm at the elbow joint.
Which part of the long bone contains red bone marrow in adults?
a) Diaphysis
b) Epiphysis
c) Metaphysis
d) Periosteum
Answer: b) Epiphysis
Explanation: The epiphysis (ends of long bones) contains red bone marrow, which is responsible for blood cell production. In adults, this is mainly found in the spongy bone.
The muscle that abducts the arm at the shoulder joint is the:
a) Trapezius
b) Pectoralis major
c) Deltoid
d) Latissimus dorsi
Answer: c) Deltoid
Explanation: The deltoid muscle is responsible for abduction of the arm at the shoulder joint.
Which joint allows for the widest range of movement?
a) Hinge joint
b) Pivot joint
c) Ball-and-socket joint
d) Saddle joint
Answer: c) Ball-and-socket joint
Explanation: Ball-and-socket joints, like the shoulder and hip, allow for the most movement, including flexion, extension, rotation, and circumduction.
Which of the following is the main structural unit of compact bone?
a) Osteocyte
b) Osteon
c) Osteoblast
d) Osteoclast
Answer: b) Osteon
Explanation: The osteon (also called Haversian system) is the structural unit of compact bone. It consists of concentric rings of bone matrix and osteocytes.
Which type of muscle tissue is under voluntary control?
a) Cardiac muscle
b) Smooth muscle
c) Skeletal muscle
d) Both a and b
Answer: c) Skeletal muscle
Explanation: Skeletal muscle is under voluntary control, meaning it is consciously controlled by the somatic nervous system. Cardiac and smooth muscles are involuntary.
Which of the following muscles is involved in plantar flexion of the foot?
a) Tibialis anterior
b) Gastrocnemius
c) Soleus
d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
Explanation: The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are both involved in plantar flexion, which involves pointing the toes downward.
Which of the following is NOT a type of synovial joint?
a) Ball-and-socket
b) Hinge
c) Pivot
d) Cartilaginous
Answer: d) Cartilaginous
Explanation: Cartilaginous joints allow limited movement, such as the joints between vertebrae, while synovial joints (ball-and-socket, hinge, pivot) allow a greater range of motion.
The structure that connects muscle to bone is called:
a) Tendon
b) Ligament
c) Cartilage
d) Fascia
Answer: a) Tendon
Explanation: Tendons connect muscles to bones, transmitting the force generated by the muscle to produce movement at the joint.
Which of the following is true about smooth muscle?
a) It is striated and multinucleated.
b) It is found only in the heart.
c) It is involuntary and found in organs like the stomach.
d) It is controlled by the somatic nervous system.
Answer: c) It is involuntary and found in organs like the stomach.
Explanation: Smooth muscle is involuntary, non-striated, and is found in walls of hollow organs like the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels.
Which of the following is a characteristic of fast-twitch muscle fibers?
a) High endurance
b) Slow contraction time
c) Used for short bursts of power
d) Rich in mitochondria
Answer: c) Used for short bursts of power
Explanation: Fast-twitch fibers contract quickly and are suited for activities that require short bursts of power, such as sprinting. They fatigue more easily than slow-twitch fibers.
What is the primary function of osteoclasts?
a) Bone formation
b) Bone resorption
c) Bone mineralization
d) Blood cell production
Answer: b) Bone resorption
Explanation: Osteoclasts break down bone tissue to release minerals, such as calcium, into the bloodstream, a process called resorption.
Which of the following muscles is responsible for extension of the thigh?
a) Gluteus medius
b) Gluteus maximus
c) Hamstrings
d) Sartorius
Answer: b) Gluteus maximus
Explanation: The gluteus maximus is the primary muscle responsible for extending the thigh at the hip joint.
Which type of muscle is found in the walls of the heart?
a) Smooth muscle
b) Skeletal muscle
c) Cardiac muscle
d) Both skeletal and smooth muscle
Answer: c) Cardiac muscle
Explanation: Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
What is the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle contraction?
a) Synthesize ATP
b) Release calcium ions
c) Store oxygen
d) Produce actin and myosin
Answer: b) Release calcium ions
Explanation: The sarcoplasmic reticulum stores calcium ions and releases them into the muscle fibers during contraction, which triggers the sliding of actin and myosin filaments.
Which of the following is a function of the ligament?
a) Transmit force from muscle to bone
b) Connect bone to bone
c) Produce red blood cells
d) Store fat
Answer: b) Connect bone to bone
Explanation: Ligaments are connective tissue structures that link bones to other bones, stabilizing and supporting joints.
Which bone is part of the appendicular skeleton?
a) Sternum
b) Clavicle
c) Skull
d) Vertebrae
Answer: b) Clavicle
Explanation: The clavicle (collarbone) is part of the appendicular skeleton, which includes bones of the limbs and their girdles.
What is the primary component of bone extracellular matrix?
a) Collagen fibers
b) Elastin fibers
c) Proteoglycans
d) Keratin
Answer: a) Collagen fibers
Explanation: Collagen fibers provide tensile strength and flexibility to bone, contributing to its structural integrity.
Which of the following is a feature of a synovial joint?
a) Limited movement
b) Presence of a joint cavity
c) Found only in the spine
d) Lack of cartilage
Answer: b) Presence of a joint cavity
Explanation: Synovial joints have a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid, allowing for a wide range of motion.
Which muscle is responsible for raising the eyebrows?
a) Orbicularis oris
b) Zygomaticus
c) Frontalis
d) Masseter
Answer: c) Frontalis
Explanation: The frontalis muscle raises the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead.
Which part of the brain controls voluntary muscle movements?
a) Cerebellum
b) Medulla oblongata
c) Cerebrum
d) Spinal cord
Answer: c) Cerebrum
Explanation: The cerebrum is responsible for voluntary muscle movements, as well as other higher cognitive functions.
Which muscle is involved in chewing?
a) Masseter
b) Temporalis
c) Buccinator
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The masseter, temporalis, and buccinator muscles work together to facilitate chewing.
What is the function of the patella?
a) Protect the knee joint
b) Serve as a hinge for the knee
c) Connect the tibia and fibula
d) Assist in the rotation of the femur
Answer: a) Protect the knee joint
Explanation: The patella (kneecap) protects the knee joint and improves the leverage of the quadriceps tendon.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of slow-twitch muscle fibers?
a) High endurance
b) Rich in mitochondria
c) Quick to fatigue
d) Used for long-distance activities
Answer: c) Quick to fatigue
Explanation: Slow-twitch fibers are highly resistant to fatigue and are used for long-duration activities like distance running.
The tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone is called the:
a) Achilles tendon
b) Patellar tendon
c) Rotator cuff
d) Brachial tendon
Answer: a) Achilles tendon
Explanation: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus) and is responsible for plantar flexion of the foot.
Which of the following bones is part of the pelvic girdle?
a) Femur
b) Sacrum
c) Ilium
d) Patella
Answer: c) Ilium
Explanation: The ilium is one of the three bones that make up the pelvic girdle, along with the ischium and pubis.
Which of the following is the primary component of the intervertebral discs?
a) Fibrocartilage
b) Elastic cartilage
c) Hyaline cartilage
d) Bone marrow
Answer: a) Fibrocartilage
Explanation: Intervertebral discs are made of fibrocartilage, which provides cushioning and allows for flexibility in the spine.
Which of the following bones is NOT part of the cranium?
a) Parietal bone
b) Occipital bone
c) Nasal bone
d) Temporal bone
Answer: c) Nasal bone
Explanation: The nasal bone is part of the face, not the cranium. The cranium consists of the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital bones.
The muscle responsible for flexing the thigh at the hip joint is:
a) Iliopsoas
b) Quadriceps femoris
c) Hamstrings
d) Gluteus maximus
Answer: a) Iliopsoas
Explanation: The iliopsoas muscle is responsible for flexing the thigh at the hip joint, as it acts on the hip in the anterior direction.
Which of the following is true about the axial skeleton?
a) It includes the bones of the arms and legs.
b) It protects vital organs like the heart and lungs.
c) It includes the shoulder and pelvic girdles.
d) It contains the tibia and femur.
Answer: b) It protects vital organs like the heart and lungs.
Explanation: The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, which protect critical organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.
Which of the following bones is the smallest bone in the human body?
a) Stapes
b) Incus
c) Malleus
d) Pisiform
Answer: a) Stapes
Explanation: The stapes, located in the middle ear, is the smallest bone in the human body. It helps transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the skeletal muscles?
a) Movement
b) Heat production
c) Blood circulation
d) Nutrient storage
Answer: d) Nutrient storage
Explanation: Skeletal muscles are involved in movement, heat production, and assisting in circulation, but they do not store nutrients (which is a function of adipose tissue).
Which of the following muscles is responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot?
a) Tibialis anterior
b) Gastrocnemius
c) Soleus
d) Flexor hallucis longus
Answer: a) Tibialis anterior
Explanation: The tibialis anterior muscle is responsible for dorsiflexing the foot (pulling the foot upwards).
Which of the following structures is part of the synovial joint?
a) Synovial fluid
b) Bursae
c) Articular cartilage
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Synovial joints are characterized by the presence of synovial fluid, bursae (fluid-filled sacs), and articular cartilage, all of which reduce friction and aid joint movement.
Which bone is part of the upper limb?
a) Radius
b) Tibia
c) Femur
d) Pelvis
Answer: a) Radius
Explanation: The radius is one of the bones in the forearm, part of the upper limb, while the tibia and femur are part of the lower limb and the pelvis is part of the appendicular skeleton.
The end of a long bone, where the epiphyseal plate is located, is called the:
a) Diaphysis
b) Epiphysis
c) Metaphysis
d) Periosteum
Answer: b) Epiphysis
Explanation: The epiphysis is the end part of a long bone. The epiphyseal plate, or growth plate, is located here in children and adolescents, where it allows for bone lengthening.
Which of the following muscles is responsible for rotating the head to the opposite side?
a) Sternocleidomastoid
b) Trapezius
c) Levator scapulae
d) Pectoralis minor
Answer: a) Sternocleidomastoid
Explanation: The sternocleidomastoid muscle, located in the neck, allows for rotation of the head to the opposite side.
What is the function of the epiphyseal plate in growing bones?
a) Bone resorption
b) Bone formation
c) Cartilage production
d) Bone elongation
Answer: d) Bone elongation
Explanation: The epiphyseal plate (growth plate) is responsible for the elongation of bones in children and adolescents, where new cartilage is produced and converted into bone.
Which of the following muscles is involved in adduction of the arm?
a) Latissimus dorsi
b) Deltoid
c) Pectoralis major
d) Both a and c
Answer: d) Both a and c
Explanation: Both the latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscles contribute to the adduction of the arm, bringing it toward the body.
Which of the following is true about the femur?
a) It is the shortest bone in the human body.
b) It is located in the upper limb.
c) It is the longest and strongest bone in the body.
d) It has no role in weight bearing.
Answer: c) It is the longest and strongest bone in the body.
Explanation: The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body and plays a key role in supporting body weight.
Which of the following joints allows only rotational movement?
a) Hinge joint
b) Pivot joint
c) Ball-and-socket joint
d) Saddle joint
Answer: b) Pivot joint
Explanation: Pivot joints, such as the atlantoaxial joint in the neck, allow only rotational movement, such as turning the head from side to side.
Which muscle is primarily responsible for the extension of the forearm?
a) Biceps brachii
b) Triceps brachii
c) Brachialis
d) Flexor carpi radialis
Answer: b) Triceps brachii
Explanation: The triceps brachii is the muscle responsible for extending the forearm at the elbow joint.
Which of the following muscles is a part of the rotator cuff?
a) Supraspinatus
b) Infraspinatus
c) Subscapularis
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilize the shoulder: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor.
Which of the following bones is part of the lower limb?
a) Fibula
b) Ulna
c) Radius
d) Humerus
Answer: a) Fibula
Explanation: The fibula is a bone of the lower leg, along with the tibia, while the ulna, radius, and humerus are bones of the upper limb.
The primary function of osteoblasts is:
a) Resorption of bone tissue
b) Formation of bone tissue
c) Bone mineralization
d) Regulation of blood calcium levels
Answer: b) Formation of bone tissue
Explanation: Osteoblasts are responsible for the formation of bone tissue, including the synthesis of bone matrix and the deposition of minerals.
Which of the following is a common feature of skeletal muscle fibers?
a) Single nucleus
b) Striations
c) Involuntary contraction
d) Spindle-shaped
Answer: b) Striations
Explanation: Skeletal muscle fibers are striated due to the arrangement of actin and myosin filaments. These fibers are also voluntary and multinucleated.
What is the primary function of the muscular system?
a) Blood cell production
b) Movement of the body and its parts
c) Hormone regulation
d) Protection of internal organs
Answer: b) Movement of the body and its parts
Explanation: The primary function of the muscular system is to facilitate movement by contracting and relaxing, which allows for body movement and movement of its parts.
Which of the following is a type of joint that allows limited movement?
a) Synovial joint
b) Cartilaginous joint
c) Hinge joint
d) Ball-and-socket joint
Answer: b) Cartilaginous joint
Explanation: Cartilaginous joints, like the intervertebral discs, allow limited movement due to their structure made up of cartilage.