Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
Articular cartilage found at the ends of long bones serves to:
A. Attach tendons
Tendons attach muscles to bones, not to articular cartilage. Cartilage does not serve as an attachment site for tendons.
B. Produce red blood cells
Red blood cells are produced in the red bone marrow, which is found in spongy bone, not in articular cartilage.
C. Form a spongy cushion that absorbs compressions
Articular cartilage is composed of hyaline cartilage and covers the ends of bones in synovial joints. It provides a smooth, lubricated surface for articulation and acts as a cushion to absorb compressive forces during movement.
D. Increase bone length
Bone length increases through growth at the epiphyseal plate, not through articular cartilage.
E. Form the synovial membrane
The synovial membrane lines the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid. It is a separate structure from articular cartilage.
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Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Tendons attach muscles to bones, not to articular cartilage. Cartilage does not serve as an attachment site for tendons.
Choice B reason: Red blood cells are produced in the red bone marrow, which is found in spongy bone, not in articular cartilage.
Choice C reason: Articular cartilage is composed of hyaline cartilage and covers the ends of bones in synovial joints. It provides a smooth, lubricated surface for articulation and acts as a cushion to absorb compressive forces during movement.
Choice D reason: Bone length increases through growth at the epiphyseal plate, not through articular cartilage.
Choice E reason: The synovial membrane lines the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid. It is a separate structure from articular cartilage.
Similar Questions
Saddle joints have concave and convex surfaces. Identify a saddle joint of the skeleton.
A. Intercarpal joints of the wrist
Intercarpal joints are planar joints that allow gliding movements between the carpal bones. They do not have the saddle-shaped surfaces characteristic of saddle joints.
B. Metacarpophalangeal joint of the finger
Metacarpophalangeal joints are condyloid joints that allow flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. They are not saddle joints.
C. Carpometacarpal joint of the phalanges
Carpometacarpal joints of the phalanges do not exist. Phalanges articulate with metacarpals, not carpals. This option is anatomically incorrect.
D. Interphalangeal joint of the finger
Interphalangeal joints are hinge joints that allow flexion and extension. They do not have the concave-convex structure of saddle joints.
E. Carpometacarpal joint of the thumb
The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is the correct answer. It is a true saddle joint formed between the trapezium and the first metacarpal. It allows a wide range of motion, including opposition, which is essential for grasping.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Intercarpal joints are planar joints that allow gliding movements between the carpal bones. They do not have the saddle-shaped surfaces characteristic of saddle joints.
Choice B reason: Metacarpophalangeal joints are condyloid joints that allow flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction. They are not saddle joints.
Choice C reason: Carpometacarpal joints of the phalanges do not exist. Phalanges articulate with metacarpals, not carpals. This option is anatomically incorrect.
Choice D reason: Interphalangeal joints are hinge joints that allow flexion and extension. They do not have the concave-convex structure of saddle joints.
Choice E reason: The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is the correct answer. It is a true saddle joint formed between the trapezium and the first metacarpal. It allows a wide range of motion, including opposition, which is essential for grasping.
The acromion is a feature of the:
A. Clavicle
acromion is a projection of another bone.
B. Scapula
The scapula is the correct answer. The acromion is a bony process on the scapula that extends laterally over the shoulder joint and articulates with the clavicle to form the acromioclavicular joint.
C. Ulna
The ulna is a forearm bone and does not have an acromion. It forms part of the elbow joint.
D. Scaphoid
The scaphoid is a carpal bone in the wrist and is unrelated to the shoulder girdle or the acromion.
E. Pollex
The pollex refers to the thumb and is not associated with the acromion or shoulder anatomy.
Full Explanation
acromion is a projection of another bone.
Choice B reason: The scapula is the correct answer. The acromion is a bony process on the scapula that extends laterally over the shoulder joint and articulates with the clavicle to form the acromioclavicular joint.
Choice C reason: The ulna is a forearm bone and does not have an acromion. It forms part of the elbow joint.
Choice D reason: The scaphoid is a carpal bone in the wrist and is unrelated to the shoulder girdle or the acromion.
Choice E reason: The pollex refers to the thumb and is not associated with the acromion or shoulder anatomy.
Which is the best description for the function of the cranial bones?
A. Protection of the brain
Protection of the brain is the primary function of cranial bones. They form the skull, which encases and shields the brain from mechanical injury.
B. Attaches muscle to the facial bones
Muscles attach to facial bones, not cranial bones. While cranial bones may serve as attachment sites for some muscles, this is not their main function.
C. Allowing the introduction of food into the digestive system
The introduction of food into the digestive system involves the mouth and associated facial structures, not cranial bones.
D. Providing passageways for respiratory gases to move into and out of the body
Passageways for respiratory gases are formed by facial bones and nasal structures, not the cranial bones.
E. House the special sense organs
Special sense organs such as the eyes, ears, and nose are housed in facial bones and cavities, not primarily in cranial bones. Cranial bones protect the brain, not sensory organs.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Protection of the brain is the primary function of cranial bones. They form the skull, which encases and shields the brain from mechanical injury.
Choice B reason: Muscles attach to facial bones, not cranial bones. While cranial bones may serve as attachment sites for some muscles, this is not their main function.
Choice C reason: The introduction of food into the digestive system involves the mouth and associated facial structures, not cranial bones.
Choice D reason: Passageways for respiratory gases are formed by facial bones and nasal structures, not the cranial bones.
Choice E reason: Special sense organs such as the eyes, ears, and nose are housed in facial bones and cavities, not primarily in cranial bones. Cranial bones protect the brain, not sensory organs.