Skeletal System MCQ for RRB & SSC and other Competitive exams
81
What is a bursa and what is its function?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Medium
✓ Answer:
B
A small fluid-filled sac near joints that reduces friction between tendons/muscles and bones
A Bursa (plural: Bursae) is a small, fluid-filled sac lined with synovial membrane, located near joints - especially where tendons or muscles pass over bony prominences. Functions: Reduces friction between tendons, muscles, and bones, and acts as a cushion between structures that rub against each other. Bursitis = inflammation of a bursa (common at shoulder, elbow - tennis elbow, knee - housemaid's knee, hip). Common bursae: Subacromial (shoulder), Prepatellar (kneecap), Olecranon (elbow tip), Ischial (sitting bones).
82
What is Osteomalacia?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Medium
✓ Answer:
B
Softening of bones in adults due to Vitamin D or calcium deficiency
Osteomalacia (meaning soft bones) is the adult equivalent of Rickets - caused by Vitamin D deficiency leading to inadequate mineralisation of bone matrix. The bone matrix (osteoid) is produced normally but cannot be hardened due to lack of calcium and phosphorus. Symptoms: bone pain and tenderness, muscle weakness, increased risk of fractures, and waddling gait. Treatment: Vitamin D and calcium supplementation. Causes: inadequate sunlight, malabsorption, kidney/liver disease.
83
Which of the following is the correct function of the skeleton?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Easy
✓ Answer:
B
Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production
The 5 major functions of the skeletal system: Support (framework that supports soft tissues and organs), Protection (skull protects brain, rib cage protects heart/lungs, vertebrae protect spinal cord), Movement (bones act as levers; muscles pull on bones to create movement), Mineral Storage (stores calcium 99% and phosphorus 85% of body's total), and Blood Cell Production/Haematopoiesis (red bone marrow produces RBCs, WBCs, and platelets). Additional function: Energy storage (yellow bone marrow stores fat/lipids).
84
Which of the following is the correct order of bones in the upper limb from proximal to distal?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Medium
✓ Answer:
B
Humerus > Radius/Ulna > Carpals > Metacarpals > Phalanges
The correct proximal to distal order of upper limb bones: Humerus (upper arm - 1 bone), Radius + Ulna (forearm - 2 bones), Carpals (wrist - 8 bones), Metacarpals (palm - 5 bones), and Phalanges (fingers - 14 bones: 3 per finger, 2 for thumb). Similarly for lower limb: Femur > Tibia/Fibula > Tarsals > Metatarsals > Phalanges.
85
The hyoid bone is unique because?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Hard
✓ Answer:
B
It is the only bone in the body not articulated with any other bone
The Hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone located in the anterior neck, between the mandible and larynx (at the base of the tongue). It is unique because it is the only bone in the human body that does NOT articulate (joint) with any other bone - it is suspended by muscles and ligaments. Functions: Supports the tongue (tongue muscles attach to it), Assists in swallowing and speech, and Provides attachment for throat and neck muscles. Fracture of the hyoid is associated with strangulation (important in forensic medicine).
86
What is the name of the process by which cartilage is replaced by bone during development?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Medium
✓ Answer:
B
Ossification (Osteogenesis)
Ossification (Osteogenesis) is the process by which bone tissue is formed. Two types: Intramembranous ossification = bone forms directly from mesenchymal tissue (no cartilage template) - forms flat bones of skull, mandible, clavicle. Endochondral ossification = bone forms by replacing a cartilage template - forms most bones of the body including all long bones. In endochondral ossification, a cartilage model is first formed, then gradually replaced by bone. The epiphyseal growth plate is the site of endochondral ossification in growing children.
87
What is the name of the tough connective tissue that makes up cartilage?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Hard
✓ Answer:
B
Chondroitin sulphate and collagen fibres embedded in a gel-like matrix
Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue consisting of Chondrocytes (cartilage cells) embedded in a matrix (ground substance). Matrix contains: Chondroitin sulphate (proteoglycan) + Collagen fibres (mainly Type II) + Water (60-80%). Key features: No blood vessels, no nerves, no lymphatics - nutrients diffuse from surrounding perichondrium. Heals very slowly due to avascular nature. Types: Hyaline cartilage (joints, trachea, nose), Fibrocartilage (intervertebral discs, menisci), and Elastic cartilage (ear, epiglottis).
88
What is the medical term for the shoulder joint?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Medium
✓ Answer:
B
Glenohumeral joint
The Glenohumeral joint is the shoulder joint - formed between the glenoid cavity of the scapula and the head of the humerus. It is a ball and socket joint and the most mobile joint in the human body, allowing movement in all planes. Due to its great mobility, it is also the most commonly dislocated joint. Other joint names: Coxofemoral = hip joint, Tibiofemoral = knee joint, Acromioclavicular = joint between acromion and clavicle.
89
What is the name of the condition in which there is abnormal forward curvature of the lower back?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Medium
✓ Answer:
C
Lordosis
Spinal curvature abnormalities: Scoliosis = lateral (sideways) curvature - S or C shaped spine. Kyphosis = excessive posterior (backward) curvature of thoracic spine - hunchback/roundback. Lordosis = excessive anterior (forward) curvature of lumbar spine - swayback/saddle back. Normal lumbar lordosis is physiological - abnormal lordosis (hyperlordosis) can cause back pain. Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect where vertebral arches fail to close around the spinal cord.
90
What is the medical term for the condition of having an extra rib (cervical rib)?
RRB/SSC/UPSC
Hard
✓ Answer:
B
Cervical rib - a supernumerary rib arising from C7 vertebra
A Cervical Rib is a supernumerary (extra) rib that arises from the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) - above the normal first thoracic rib. It occurs in approximately 0.5-1% of the population and is more common in females. Clinical significance: Can compress the brachial plexus (nerves) and subclavian artery causing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Symptoms: pain, numbness, tingling in arm and hand, and weakness. May be an incidental finding on X-ray with no symptoms. Treatment: physiotherapy or surgical removal if symptomatic.