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Biology - Skeletal and Muscular System - MCAT Practice Questions

Which of the following is NOT a component of the axial skeleton?
Pectoral girdle






The appendicular skeleton includes which of the following structures?
Limbs






Which type of bone, also known as cortical bone, is a dense material that forms the hard outer structure of the skeleton?
Compact bone






Spongy bone is correctly identified by which of the following alternative names?
Cancellous bone






What is the thin membrane that covers the exterior of most bones in the body?
Periosteum






The bone marrow produces the cellular elements of the blood. These elements include all of the following EXCEPT:
Synovial fluid






Long bones are hard, dense bones that provide strength and structure. Which part of the hand contains bones classified as long bones, despite their short length?
Phalanges (finger bones)






What specialized connective tissue functions to attach bones to other bones?
Ligaments






What specialized connective tissue functions to attach bones to muscles?
Tendons






Bone tissue is also known by which other term?
Osseous tissue






What is the chief structural unit of compact (cortical) bone, consisting of concentric layers surrounding a central canal?
Osteon






The concentric bone layers that make up an osteon are called:
Lamellae






The passageways that surround blood vessels and nerve cells throughout compact bone are known as:
Haversian canals






What are the small channels that link together the lacunae (spaces containing osteocytes) in bone tissue?
Canaliculi






Osteoblasts are cells whose primary function is to:
Build new bone matrix.






Osteoclasts are cells whose primary function is to:
Resorb bone matrix by releasing acids and enzymes.






Cartilage is a connective tissue characterized by which two properties?
Avascular and aneural






Immovable joints are characterized by the fusing together of bones to form:
Sutures






Movable joints (synovial joints) are strengthened by ligaments and contain a synovial capsule. What fluid lubricates these joints and permits smooth movement?
Synovial fluid






What is the general process of laying down new bone material by osteoblasts?
Ossification