Chapter 9: Joints Practice Quiz

Question 1

Joints can best be described as sites where two or more bones meet and articulate.

A) True
B) False

Answer 1

A) True

Explanation: Joints, also known as articulations, are indeed sites where two or more bones meet and articulate. They allow for various types of movement and provide mechanical support to the skeletal structure. Joints can be classified based on their structure (fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial) and their function (immovable, slightly movable, and freely movable). The articulation of bones at joints facilitates different types of movements, such as bending, twisting, and rotating, essential for everyday activities.

Question 2

The two main functions of joints are to give the skeleton mobility and to hold the skeleton together.

A) True
B) False

Answer 2

A) True

The two main functions of joints are indeed to give the skeleton mobility and to hold the skeleton together.

Mobility: Joints allow for a wide range of movements. Depending on their type (e.g., hinge, ball-and-socket, pivot), joints enable activities such as walking, running, bending, and rotating. For instance, the hinge joint in the knee permits bending and straightening, while the ball-and-socket joint in the shoulder allows for rotational movement.

Stability: Joints also play a crucial role in holding the skeleton together. Ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues associated with joints help maintain the alignment and integrity of the skeletal system. They ensure that bones remain connected and provide structural stability, which is essential for supporting the body’s weight and maintaining posture.

Together, these functions enable the body to move efficiently and maintain its structural integrity.

Question 3

Articulations (joints) permitting a free range of movement are classified as diarthroses.

A) True
B) False

Answer 3

A) True

Explanation: Articulations (joints) that permit a free range of movement are indeed classified as diarthroses.

Diarthroses, also known as synovial joints, are the most common and most movable type of joints in the body. These joints have a synovial cavity filled with fluid, which allows for significant movement between the articulating bones. Examples of diarthrotic joints include:

Ball-and-socket joints (e.g., shoulder and hip joints), which allow for rotational movement and movement in multiple directions.
Hinge joints (e.g., elbow and knee joints), which permit flexion and extension.
Pivot joints (e.g., the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae), which allow for rotational movement.
The structure of diarthroses includes articular cartilage, a joint capsule, synovial membrane, and synovial fluid, all of which contribute to their ability to facilitate a wide range of motion while providing stability and reducing friction.

Question 4

The sutures of the skull would be an example of amphiarthroses.

A) True
B) False

Answer 4

B) False

Explanation: The sutures of the skull are not examples of amphiarthroses; they are examples of synarthroses.

Synarthroses are joints that are immovable. Sutures are fibrous joints found between the bones of the skull. These joints are held together by dense connective tissue and allow for little to no movement, providing stability and protection for the brain.

Amphiarthroses, on the other hand, are joints that allow for slight movement. An example of amphiarthroses would be the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae of the spine, which provide a limited range of motion and flexibility.

Question 5

The functional classification of joints is based on the amount of movement permitted by a particular joint.

A) True
B) False

Answer 5

A) True

Explanation: The functional classification of joints is indeed based on the amount of movement permitted by a particular joint. This classification categorizes joints into three main types:

Synarthroses: These joints are immovable. Examples include the sutures of the skull.

Amphiarthroses: These joints allow for slight movement. Examples include the intervertebral discs of the spine and the pubic symphysis.

Diarthroses: These joints are freely movable. They are also known as synovial joints and include joints such as the shoulder, knee, and hip.

Question 6

Immovable joints are called:

A) amphiarthroses
B) synarthroses
C) diarthroses

Answer 6

B) synarthroses

Question 7

Which of the following would be an example of a fibrous joint?

A) the sutures of the skull
B) the joint where the femur meets the tibia and fibula (i.e. the knee)
C) the pubic symphysis
D) all of the above

Answer 7

A) the sutures of the skull

Explanation: Fibrous joints are characterized by the presence of dense connective tissue holding the bones tightly together, allowing little to no movement.

Sutures of the skull: These are fibrous joints found between the bones of the skull. They are immovable joints (synarthroses) where the bones are tightly connected by fibrous tissue.

The knee joint (where the femur meets the tibia and fibula): This is a synovial joint (specifically a hinge joint), not a fibrous joint. Synovial joints are characterized by a fluid-filled joint cavity and allow a wide range of movements.

The pubic symphysis: This is a cartilaginous joint, specifically a type of amphiarthrosis, which allows slight movement and is made of fibrocartilage.

Therefore, the sutures of the skull are the correct example of a fibrous joint.

Question 8

Which of the following would be an example of a synovial joint?

A) the joint where the femur meets the tibia and fibula (i.e. the knee)
B) the pubic symphasis
C) the sutures of the skull
D) joint between the first rib and the sternum
E) All of the above

Answer 8

A) the joint where the femur meets the tibia and fibula (i.e. the knee)

Explanation:
The knee joint (where the femur meets the tibia and fibula) is a synovial joint. Specifically, it is a hinge joint that allows for flexion and extension movements.

The pubic symphysis is a cartilaginous joint, specifically an amphiarthrosis, which allows slight movement and is made of fibrocartilage.

The sutures of the skull are fibrous joints that are immovable (synarthroses).

The joint between the first rib and the sternum is a cartilaginous joint (synchondrosis), not a synovial joint.

Therefore, the knee joint is the correct example of a synovial joint.

Question 9

Match the joint term with its description or function:

Function:
A) Provides cushioning between fibrous layer and synovial membrane
B) Elongated bursa found wrapped completely around tendon; reduces friction
C) Sacs lined with synovial fluid; reduces friction
D) Fibrocartilage that separates articular surfaces; stabilizes the joint, reduces wear and tear

Term
1) Bursae
2) Tendon Sheath
3) Fatty pads
4) Menisci

Answer 9

A) Provides cushioning between fibrous layer and synovial membrane
3) Fatty pads

B) Elongated bursa found wrapped completely around tendon; reduces friction
2) Tendon Sheath

C) Sacs lined with synovial fluid; reduces friction
1) Bursae

D) Fibrocartilage that separates articular surfaces; stabilizes the joint, reduces wear and tear
4) Menisci

Question 10

Identify the joint structure labelled “B” in the image below:

A) Joint (articular) capsule: synovial membrane
B) Bone
C) Joint cavity
D) Joint (articular) capsule: fibrous layer
E) Ligament
F) Articular cartilage

Answer 10

A) Joint (articular) capsule: synovial membrane

Question 11

Identify the joint structure labelled “A” in the image below:

A) Joint (articular) capsule: synovial membrane
B) Bone
C) Joint cavity
D) Joint (articular) capsule: fibrous layer
E) Ligament
F) Articular cartilage

Answer 11

B) Bone

Question 12

Identify the joint structure labelled “E” in the image below:

A) Joint (articular) capsule: synovial membrane
B) Bone
C) Joint cavity
D) Joint (articular) capsule: fibrous layer
E) Ligament
F) Articular cartilage

Answer 12

C) Joint cavity

Question 13

Identify the joint structure labelled “C” in the image below:

A) Joint (articular) capsule: synovial membrane
B) Bone
C) Joint cavity
D) Joint (articular) capsule: fibrous layer
E) Ligament
F) Articular cartilage

Answer 13

D) Joint (articular) capsule: fibrous layer

Question 14

Identify the joint structure labelled “D” in the image below:

A) Joint (articular) capsule: synovial membrane
B) Bone
C) Joint cavity
D) Joint (articular) capsule: fibrous layer
E) Ligament
F) Articular cartilage

Answer 14

F) Articular cartilage

Question 15

Which of the following types of joints allows for rotation around a single axis?

A) Ball-and-socket joint
B) Hinge joint
C) Pivot joint
D) Saddle joint

Answer 15

C) Pivot joint

Explanation: Pivot joints allow for rotation around a single axis. An example is the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae (the atlantoaxial joint), which allows the head to rotate from side to side.

Question 16

Which type of joint is characterized by the presence of a synovial cavity?

A) Fibrous joint
B) Cartilaginous joint
C) Synovial joint
D) Sutures

Answer 16

C) Synovial joint

Explanation: Synovial joints have a synovial cavity filled with fluid, which allows for free movement of the articulating bones. Examples include the knee, elbow, and shoulder joints.

Question 17

What type of cartilage is found at the ends of long bones to reduce friction and absorb shock?

A) Elastic cartilage
B) Fibrocartilage
C) Hyaline cartilage
D) Articular cartilage

Answer 17

D) Articular cartilage

Explanation: Articular cartilage, a type of hyaline cartilage, covers the ends of long bones in synovial joints. It provides a smooth, lubricated surface for low-friction articulation and absorbs mechanical shock.

Question 18

Which type of joint is found between the vertebrae of the spinal column?

A) Synovial joint
B) Fibrous joint
C) Cartilaginous joint
D) Saddle joint

Answer 18

C) Cartilaginous joint

Explanation: The joints between vertebrae are cartilaginous joints, specifically symphyses, which allow for slight movement and provide cushioning between the bones through intervertebral discs made of fibrocartilage.

Question 19

The type of synovial joint that allows for movement in multiple planes, including rotation, is called:

A) Hinge joint
B) Condyloid joint
C) Ball-and-socket joint
D) Plane joint

Answer 19

C) Ball-and-socket joint

Explanation: Ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, allow for movement in multiple planes, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation, due to the spherical head of one bone fitting into the round socket of another.

Question 20

Which type of joint is immovable and typically found in the skull?

A) Hinge joint
B) Synchondrosis
C) Suture
D) Symphysis

Answer 20

C) Suture

Explanation: Sutures are immovable joints (synarthroses) found between the bones of the skull. They are connected by dense fibrous connective tissue and help protect the brain by providing rigid support.

Question 21

Which structure in a synovial joint produces synovial fluid?

A) Articular cartilage
B) Synovial membrane
C) Ligaments
D) Menisci

Answer 21

B) Synovial membrane

Explanation: The synovial membrane lines the inner surface of the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint, reduces friction, and nourishes the articular cartilage.

Question 22

Which type of joint is designed for gliding movements and is found between the carpal bones of the wrist?

A) Hinge joint
B) Plane joint
C) Saddle joint
D) Ball-and-socket joint

Answer 22

B) Plane joint

Explanation: Plane joints, also known as gliding joints, allow for sliding or gliding movements. They are found between the carpal bones of the wrist and the tarsal bones of the ankle.

Question 23

Which of the following joints is an example of a hinge joint?

A) Hip joint
B) Elbow joint
C) Shoulder joint
D) Radioulnar joint

Answer 23

B) Elbow joint

Explanation: The elbow joint is a hinge joint, allowing for flexion and extension movements similar to the motion of a door hinge.

Question 24

Which type of joint is characterized by a pad of fibrocartilage between the articulating bones?

A) Synovial joint
B) Fibrous joint
C) Cartilaginous joint
D) Plane joint

Answer 24

C) Cartilaginous joint

Explanation: Cartilaginous joints, such as the intervertebral discs and the pubic symphysis, have pads of fibrocartilage that provide slight movement and cushioning between the articulating bones.

Question 25

The joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae that allows for head rotation is called a:

A) Hinge joint
B) Ball-and-socket joint
C) Pivot joint
D) Saddle joint

Answer 25

C) Pivot joint

Explanation: The atlantoaxial joint, located between the first and second cervical vertebrae, is a pivot joint that allows for the rotation of the head from side to side.

Question 26

Which type of joint allows for movement in two planes but not rotation?

A) Hinge joint
B) Condyloid joint
C) Pivot joint
D) Plane joint

Answer 26

B) Condyloid joint

Explanation: Condyloid joints, such as the wrist joint (radiocarpal joint), allow for movement in two planes (flexion-extension and abduction-adduction) but do not permit rotation.

Question 27

The joints between the teeth and their sockets in the jawbone are examples of:

A) Synchondroses
B) Syndesmoses
C) Gomphoses
D) Symphyses

Answer 27

C) Gomphoses

Explanation: Gomphoses are a type of fibrous joint found between the teeth and their sockets in the jawbone. They are immovable joints held together by a periodontal ligament.

Question 28

The function of ligaments in a synovial joint is to:

A) Produce synovial fluid
B) Connect bone to bone
C) Cover the articular surfaces of bones
D) Cushion and absorb shock

Answer 28

B) Connect bone to bone

Explanation: Ligaments are strong bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect bone to bone, providing stability and support to synovial joints by limiting excessive movement

Question 29

Which type of synovial joint allows for the greatest range of motion?

A) Hinge joint
B) Pivot joint
C) Saddle joint
D) Ball-and-socket joint

Answer 29

D) Ball-and-socket joint

Explanation: Ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder and hip joints, allow for the greatest range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.