Musculoskeletal Sytem

Question 1

Name three types of muscle tissue.

Answer 1

Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Question 2

What are the major functions of the skeletal system?

Answer 2

Support, protection, movement, storage of minerals (like calcium and phosphorus), and production of blood cells (heamatopoiesis).

Question 3

What’s the function of tendons and ligaments?

Answer 3

Tendons connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connect bones to other bones at joints.

Question 4

What are the two types of bone tissue?

Answer 4

Compact and spongy (trabecular) bone.

Question 5

Define the term “osteoblast”

Answer 5

Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells responsible for producing the bone matrix.

Question 6

What is the epiphyseal plate, and why is it important?

Answer 6

The epiphyseal plate (growth plate) is a layer of cartilage in growing bones that allows for longitudinal growth.

Question 7

What is sliding filament theory?

Answer 7

The sliding filament theory explains muscle contraction: actin and myosin filament slide past each other, shortening the sarcomere (basic contractile unit of muscle fiber) and contracting the muscle.

Question 8

What is the role of calcium in muscle contraction?

Answer 8

Calcium binds to troponin, causing a conformational change that moves tropomyosin, exposing binding sites on actin for myosin to attach and Initiate contraction.

Question 9

Define an isometric and isotonic contraction.

Answer 9

Isometric: Muscle contracts without changing length (eg. A plank).

Isotonic: Muscle changes Length during contraction (concentric shortens, eccentric lengthens eg. Bicep curl).

Question 10

Name the six types of synovial joints.

Answer 10

Hinge (eg. Elbow)
Ball and socket (eg. Shoulder)
Pivot (eg. Atlas and axis in neck)
Saddle (eg. Thumb joint)
Plane (eg. Intercarpal joints in wrist)
Condyloid (eg. Wrist joint)

Question 11

What are the four major movements allowed by synovial joints?

Answer 11

Flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

Question 12

What is a sprain, and how does it differ from a strain?

Answer 12

A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments.

A strain is the stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon.

Question 13

What’s the significance of a fractures location and type of treatment?

Answer 13

The location and type of fracture (eg. Open, closed, greenstick, comminuted) affect stabilisation, healing time, and choice of treatment (eg. Casting or surgery).

Question 14

What is compartment syndrome, and why is it an emergency?

Answer 14

Compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and nerve function, potentially leading to tissue death if untreated.

Question 15

What is the difference between red and white muscle fibers?

Answer 15

Red fibers (slow twitch): high in mitochondria and myoglobin, suited for endurance activities.

White fibers (fast-twitch): low in myoglobin, suited for short bursts of power and speed.

Question 16

How does Wolff’s Law relate to bone remodeling?

Answer 16

Wolff’s law states that bone grows and remodels in response to the forces placed upon it, increasing strength where needed.

Question 17

What is osteoporosis, and what are it’s risk factors?

Answer 17

Osteoporosis is a condition of reduced bone density, increasing fracture risk. Risk factors include again, hormonal changes, poor diet, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle.

Question 18

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 18

Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease due to wear and tear.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and joint damage.

Question 19

What are the four main types of bones, and can you provide a example of each?

Answer 19

Long bones: Found in the limbs (eg. Femur, humerus).
Short bones: Found in the wrists and ankles (eg. Carpals, tarsals).
Flat bones: Provide protection (eg. Sternum, skull bones).
Irregular bones: complex shapes (eg. Vertebrate, pelvis).

Question 20

Which bones are classified as sesamoid bones and what is their function?

Answer 20

Sesamoid bones are small round bones embedded (eg. The patella) in tendons. They function to reduce friction, modify pressure and protect tendons from stress.