Systemic Anatomy Practice Questions

Q: Bones are held by a long cord or sheet of dense fibrous connective tissue called:

Syndesmosis.. ***Syndesmosis*** - A **syndesmosis** is a type of fibrous joint where bones are joined by a cord or sheet of **dense fibrous connective tissue**, such as an interosseous membrane. - Examples include the articulation between the **tibia and fibula**, and the **ulna and radius**, allowing for limited movement. *Synchondrosis* - A **synchondrosis** is a cartilaginous joint joined by **hyaline cartilage**, typically seen in temporary joints like epiphyseal plates. - This type of joint eventually **ossifies** in adulthood, forming a synostosis. *Gomphosis* - A **gomphosis** is a fibrous joint that anchors a tooth to its bony socket, characterized by the insertion of a **peg-like structure** into a socket. - The connective tissue in a gomphosis is primarily the **periodontal ligament**. *Suture* - A **suture** is a type of fibrous joint found only in the skull, connecting bones with a narrow, interlocking seam of **dense fibrous connective tissue** [1]. - These joints are **immobile** in adults, providing protection for the brain.

Q: The muscle shown in the image is an example of which of the following type of muscle fiber arrangement?

Convergent. ***Convergent*** - The image clearly depicts the **Pectoralis major** muscle, which is a classic example of a **convergent muscle** (also known as triangular muscles). - **Convergent muscles** have a broad origin and converge to a single, narrow insertion, allowing for varied actions depending on which portion of the muscle contracts. *Bipennate* - **Bipennate muscles** have muscle fibers that are arranged on both sides of a central tendon, resembling a feather. - Examples include the **Rectus femoris**. This morphology is not depicted in the question's image for the *Pectoralis major*. *Cruciate* - The term **cruciate** describes muscles or ligaments that cross each other in the shape of an "X." - This is not a standard categorization for muscle fiber arrangement as shown in the provided muscle types. *Spiral* - **Spiral muscles** have fibers that twist as they run from origin to insertion, such as the **Latissimus dorsi**. - The muscle in the image (Pectoralis major) does not exhibit this twisting characteristic.

Q: Which is not a fibrous joint:

First costochondral joint. ***First costochondral joint*** - This is a **cartilaginous joint (synchondrosis)**, where the **first rib connects to its costal cartilage**. - It is classified as a **primary cartilaginous joint** and is immovable. - Unlike other costochondral joints, the first is a true synchondrosis with hyaline cartilage. *Gomphoses* - These are **fibrous joints** that anchor the teeth into the alveolar sockets of the jawbone. - The connection is made by the **periodontal ligament**, composed of dense fibrous connective tissue. *Cranial sutures* - These are **fibrous joints** found only in the skull, connecting the cranial bones. - They are designed for **minimal to no movement** to protect the brain. *Inferior tibiofibular joint* - This is a **fibrous joint known as a syndesmosis**, where the tibia and fibula are united by a strong interosseous ligament. - It allows for **limited movement** and provides stability to the ankle joint.

Q: All of the following muscles have dual nerve supply, EXCEPT?

Flexor digitorum superficialis. No changes were made to the original explanation because none of the provided references met the relevance criteria for the specific muscles and nerves discussed. ***Flexor digitorum superficialis*** - This muscle is solely innervated by the **median nerve**. - It works to **flex the middle phalanges** of the medial four digits. *Flexor digitorum profundus* - The medial half of the muscle, which supplies the ring and little fingers, is innervated by the **ulnar nerve**. - The lateral half, which supplies the index and middle fingers, is innervated by the **anterior interosseous nerve** (a branch of the median nerve). *Pectineus* - This muscle typically receives innervation from both the **femoral nerve** and the **obturator nerve**. - Its primary action is **adduction and flexion of the hip**. *Brachialis* - While primarily innervated by the **musculocutaneous nerve**, a small component also receives innervation from the **radial nerve**. - It is a powerful **flexor of the elbow joint**.

Q: All are fibrous joints except:

Symphysis pubis. ***Symphysis pubis*** - The **symphysis pubis** is a **cartilaginous joint (symphysis)**, specifically a secondary cartilaginous joint, connected by a disc of **fibrocartilage**. - Unlike fibrous joints, cartilaginous joints allow for **limited movement** and lack a joint cavity [2]. *Suture* - **Sutures** are a type of **fibrous joint** found only in the skull, connecting adjacent cranial bones [1]. - They are characterized by short collagen fibers that tightly interlock the bones, providing **immobile (synarthrotic)** connections. *Gomphosis* - A **gomphosis** is a specialized fibrous joint that anchors a **tooth** into its bony socket in the jaw. - The tooth is held in place by the **periodontal ligament**, composed of dense fibrous connective tissue. *Distal tibiofibular joint* - The **distal tibiofibular joint** is a **fibrous joint (syndesmosis)** where the tibia and fibula are connected by a strong interosseous membrane and ligaments. - It allows minimal movement and provides stability to the ankle mortise.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a hybrid muscle?

Adductor pollicis. ***Adductor pollicis*** - The adductor pollicis is solely innervated by the **deep branch of the ulnar nerve (C8, T1)**, making it a non-hybrid muscle. - Its primary actions are **adduction, opposition, and flexion of the thumb**. *Sternocleidomastoid* - This muscle is considered hybrid because it is innervated by two different nerves: the **spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)** and branches from the **cervical plexus (C2-C3)**. - The spinal accessory nerve innervates primarily the motor function, while the cervical plexus provides proprioceptive fibers. *Flexor pollicis brevis* - This muscle often has a dual innervation, with its superficial head supplied by the **median nerve** and its deep head by the **ulnar nerve** [1]. - This dual innervation pattern qualifies it as a hybrid muscle [1]. *Brachialis* - The brachialis muscle is typically innervated by the **musculocutaneous nerve (C5, C6)**, but it also receives a small contribution from the **radial nerve (C7)**. - This additional supply from the radial nerve makes it a hybrid muscle.

Q: Hardest bone of the body is?

Osseous labyrinth. ***Osseous labyrinth*** - The **petrous part of the temporal bone**, which houses the osseous labyrinth, is the **hardest and densest bone in the human body**. - It has the highest mineral density of all bones, with extremely thick and compact cortical bone designed to protect the delicate structures of the inner ear (cochlea and vestibular apparatus). - This exceptional hardness makes it highly resistant to fractures and often the last bone to decompose post-mortem. *Calcaneum* - The **calcaneus** (heel bone) is the largest tarsal bone and is indeed very strong and dense to withstand weight-bearing forces. - However, it contains significant **trabecular (cancellous) bone** architecture internally, which while strong, does not match the extreme cortical density of the petrous temporal bone [1]. - Its primary role is weight transmission and shock absorption, not maximal hardness. *Head of humerus* - The **head of the humerus** is primarily composed of **cancellous bone** covered by articular cartilage to facilitate smooth shoulder joint movement [1]. - Its structure is optimized for articulation and flexibility, with less cortical bone density compared to the petrous temporal bone. - It is designed for range of motion rather than maximum hardness. *Tibial condyle* - The **tibial condyles** are load-bearing surfaces of the proximal tibia covered by **articular cartilage**. - While they must withstand significant compressive forces, they contain substantial cancellous bone to allow for shock absorption [1]. - Their structure balances strength with flexibility, not maximal hardness.

Q: The largest organ of the body is:

Skin. **Skin** - The skin, or **integumentary system**, is the **largest organ** in the human body by both surface area and weight. [1] - It serves crucial functions including **protection**, temperature regulation, **sensation**, and synthesis of vitamin D. [1] *Liver* - The liver is the **largest internal organ** of the body, playing vital roles in metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis. - While significant in weight, its overall surface area and comprehensive coverage of the body are less than that of the skin. *Gluteus maximus* - The **gluteus maximus** is the largest muscle in the human body, primarily responsible for hip extension. - It is a single muscle and not considered an organ, fitting under the broader category of the muscular system. *Femur* - The **femur**, or thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. - It is part of the skeletal system and, similar to the gluteus maximus, it is a single component rather than a comprehensive organ.

Q: Which of the following is an atavistic epiphysis?

Coracoid process. ***Coracoid process*** - An **atavistic epiphysis** is a phylogenetically older bone or part of a bone that ossifies separately and may fuse later, representing a remnant from ancestral forms. The **coracoid process** of the scapula is considered an atavistic epiphysis in humans, as it corresponds to the complete coracoid bone found in lower vertebrates. - In humans, it forms from a separate center of ossification and fuses with the scapula, reflecting its evolutionary origin. *Condyles of femur* - The condyles of the femur are typical **pressure epiphyses**, designed to withstand significant compressive forces at joints. - They ossify in a manner consistent with their role in forming the knee joint, not as a remnant of a separate ancestral bone. *Lower end of radius* - The lower end of the radius is also a **pressure epiphysis**, forming part of the wrist joint and bearing substantial weight and force. - Its development and function are primarily related to articulation and load-bearing, rather than being a phylogenetic remnant. [1] *Tubercle of humerus* - The tubercles of the humerus (greater and lesser tubercles) are **traction epiphyses**, where muscles and ligaments attach and exert pulling forces. - Their development is directly linked to the attachment of muscles of the rotator cuff, which is distinct from the concept of an atavistic epiphysis.

Q: Which is a hinge joint :

Elbow. ***Elbow*** - The elbow joint is a classic example of a **hinge joint**, allowing for **flexion and extension** in one plane, similar to the action of a door hinge. - It is formed by the articulation of the **humerus** with the **ulna and radius**. *Knee* - While predominantly a hinge joint allowing **flexion and extension**, the knee also permits a small degree of **rotation** when flexed. - Its complex structure includes the **menisci and cruciate ligaments**, which provide stability and guide movement. *Atlanto Axial* - This is a **pivot joint**, allowing for the **rotation of the head** from side to side ("no" motion). - It is formed by the articulation between the first cervical vertebra (atlas) and the second cervical vertebra (axis). *Metacarpophalangeal* - These are **condyloid joints**, allowing for movement in **two planes**: flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. - They also permit **circumduction**, but not rotation, and are found at the base of the fingers.

Question 1

Bones are held by a long cord or sheet of dense fibrous connective tissue called:

Accepted Answer

Syndesmosis.

Answer

Synchondrosis.

Answer

Gomphosis.

Answer

Suture.

Question 2

The muscle shown in the image is an example of which of the following type of muscle fiber arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Convergent

Answer

Bipennate

Answer

Cruciate

Answer

Spiral

Question 3

Which is not a fibrous joint:

Accepted Answer

First costochondral joint

Answer

Gomphoses

Answer

Cranial sutures

Answer

Inferior tibiofibular joint

Question 4

All of the following muscles have dual nerve supply, EXCEPT?

Accepted Answer

Flexor digitorum superficialis

Answer

Flexor digitorum profundus

Answer

Pectineus

Answer

Brachialis

Question 5

All are fibrous joints except:

Accepted Answer

Symphysis pubis

Answer

Suture

Answer

Gomphosis

Answer

Distal tibiofibular joint

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a hybrid muscle?

Accepted Answer

Adductor pollicis

Answer

Sternocleidomastoid

Answer

Flexor pollicis brevis

Answer

Brachialis

Question 7

Hardest bone of the body is?

Accepted Answer

Osseous labyrinth

Answer

Calcaneum

Answer

Head of humerus

Answer

Tibial condyle

Question 8

The largest organ of the body is:

Accepted Answer

Skin

Answer

Liver

Answer

Gluteus maximus

Answer

Femur

Question 9

Which of the following is an atavistic epiphysis?

Accepted Answer

Coracoid process

Answer

Condyles of femur

Answer

Lower end of radius

Answer

Tubercle of humerus

Question 10

Which is a hinge joint :

Accepted Answer

Elbow

Answer

Knee

Answer

Atlanto Axial

Answer

Metacarpophalangeal

Systemic Anatomy — MCQs

Systemic Anatomy — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?