Skeletal System MCQ for RRB & SSC and other Competitive exams
41
What is the name of the joint between the skull and the first cervical vertebra (Atlas)?
✓ Answer:
B
Atlanto-occipital joint
The Atlanto-occipital joint is the joint between the occipital bone of the skull and the C1 (Atlas) vertebra. It is a condyloid joint that allows nodding movement (flexion/extension - yes motion). The Atlantoaxial joint (between C1-Atlas and C2-Axis) allows rotation of the head (pivot joint - no motion). The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the mandible to the temporal bone (jaw joint).
42
Which cells are responsible for bone formation?
✓ Answer:
B
Osteoblasts
Bone cells and their functions: Osteoblasts = Bone FORMING cells (synthesize and deposit new bone matrix which then mineralizes). Osteoclasts = Bone RESORBING cells (break down and resorb old bone - important for remodelling and calcium release). Osteocytes = Mature bone cells (former osteoblasts trapped in bone matrix; maintain bone tissue and act as mechanosensors). Chondrocytes = Cartilage cells (produce and maintain cartilage matrix). Mnemonic: OsteoBLASTS BUILD bone; OsteoCLASTS CRUSH/break bone.
43
What is Arthritis?
✓ Answer:
B
Inflammation of one or more joints causing pain and stiffness
Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced movement in joints. Common types: Osteoarthritis (OA) = most common, degeneration of joint cartilage due to wear and tear (common in elderly). Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) = autoimmune disease where immune system attacks joint lining (synovium). Gouty Arthritis (Gout) = caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in joints (especially big toe). Psoriatic Arthritis = associated with psoriasis.
44
Which of the following is a sesamoid bone?
✓ Answer:
C
Patella
A Sesamoid bone is a bone that develops within a tendon where it passes over a joint, reducing friction and improving mechanical efficiency. The Patella (kneecap) is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body - it develops within the quadriceps tendon. Other sesamoid bones are found in the thumb, big toe, and foot. The name comes from the Latin word for sesame seed due to the small, round shape of many sesamoid bones.
45
The sternum (breastbone) is connected to the ribs by?
✓ Answer:
C
Costal cartilage
The sternum (breastbone) is connected to the true ribs (ribs 1-7) by costal cartilage - strips of hyaline cartilage. This cartilaginous connection allows the rib cage to expand and contract during breathing while maintaining structural integrity. The sternum has three parts: Manubrium (top - connects to clavicles and first two ribs), Body (middle - connects to ribs 2-7), and Xiphoid process (bottom - the lowest, smallest part).
46
What is the correct number of bones in the human spinal column in adults?
✓ Answer:
B
26
In adults, the vertebral column has 26 bones: 7 Cervical vertebrae, 12 Thoracic vertebrae, 5 Lumbar vertebrae, 1 Sacrum (5 fused sacral vertebrae), and 1 Coccyx (3-4 fused coccygeal vertebrae). Total = 7 + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 26 bones. In children/adolescents, before fusion occurs, there are 33 individual vertebrae. The sacrum and coccyx fuse during development, reducing the count to 26 in adults.
47
What is the function of synovial fluid in joints?
✓ Answer:
C
Lubricate joint surfaces and reduce friction
Synovial fluid is a thick, viscous fluid found in synovial joints (freely movable joints). Its functions: Lubrication (reduces friction between articulating cartilage surfaces), Nutrition (supplies nutrients to avascular cartilage), Shock absorption (cushions against impact), and Waste removal (removes metabolic waste from cartilage). It is produced by the synovial membrane (inner lining of the joint capsule). Synovial joints include the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow.
48
What is the function of the coccyx?
✓ Answer:
B
Acts as attachment point for muscles of the pelvic floor and gluteal region
The Coccyx (tailbone) is the terminal portion of the vertebral column, formed by the fusion of 3-4 coccygeal vertebrae. Its functions: Attachment point for pelvic floor muscles (levator ani, coccygeus) and ligaments, Attachment for gluteus maximus muscle, and Supports body weight when sitting (along with ischial tuberosities). The coccyx is considered a vestigial structure - a remnant of the ancestral tail. Coccyx pain (coccydynia) is commonly caused by falls or childbirth.
49
What is the axial skeleton?
✓ Answer:
B
Bones forming the central axis of the body - skull vertebral column and rib cage
The skeletal system is divided into two parts: Axial Skeleton (80 bones) - forms the central axis (skull 22, vertebral column 26, rib cage 25: 24 ribs + 1 sternum, hyoid bone 1, and ossicles 6). Appendicular Skeleton (126 bones) - bones of the limbs and girdles (pectoral girdle 4, upper limbs 60, pelvic girdle 2, lower limbs 60). Total = 80 + 126 = 206 bones.
50
Which of the following is the correct statement about flat bones?
✓ Answer:
C
They protect organs and provide large surface area for muscle attachment
Flat bones are thin, flat, and slightly curved bones that protect vital organs (skull bones protect the brain, sternum and ribs protect heart/lungs, scapula protects back) and provide large surface area for muscle attachment. They contain red bone marrow in the spongy bone (diploe) between two compact bone layers. Examples: Skull bones, Sternum, Ribs, Scapula, Ilium (hip bone). Flat bones do NOT have a medullary cavity - instead they have a spongy diploe layer sandwiched between two cortical bone layers.