Anatomy & Structure Of Joints
A number of questions covering the structure and function of joints with a large focus on synovial joints.
Be sure to check the explanations for answers!
- 1.
What is another word for the term articulation?
Explanation
Also known as the meeting of two bone, often referred to as a joint or articulation. Joint or Joints were acceptable answers.Rate this question:
- 2.
Which of the below is not a functional classification of a joint?
- A.
Synarthroses
- B.
Syndesmoses
- C.
Amphiarthroses
- D.
Diarthroses
Correct Answer
B. SyndesmosesExplanation
Syndesmoses are fibrous joints (a structural and not functional classification) in which the bones are connected by ligaments.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following is not a structural classification of joints?
- A.
Diathroses
- B.
Cartilaginous
- C.
Synovial
- D.
Fibrous
Correct Answer
A. DiathrosesExplanation
Diathroses is a functional classification and not structural meaning there is slight movement in the joint.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Syntoses are?
- A.
Fibrous Joints
- B.
Synovial Joints
- C.
Syndesmoses
- D.
Ossified Sutures
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. Ossified SuturesExplanation
Syntoses are the ossified sutures of what are sometimes referred to as fontanels. The sutures allow for slight skull flexion but are completely ossified (turned to bone) by adulthood.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Where is the only place sutures can be found in the human body?
Correct Answer
skull
cranium
headExplanation
Sutures are only found in the skull, cranium and head were also acceptable answers.Rate this question:
- 6.
A ligament connects bone tissue to what?
- A.
Tendon
- B.
Muscle
- C.
Skin
- D.
Synovial capsule
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
E. None of the aboveExplanation
A ligament is a bone-to-bone fibrous connection of a cord or band of tissue. Ligament means syndesmos which explains why a syndesmoses is so named (it is a ligament connected fibrous joint).Rate this question:
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- 7.
The interosseous membrane of the antebrachial is what type of joint?
- A.
Fibrous
- B.
Synarthrosis
- C.
Syntoses
- D.
Syndesmoses
- E.
A and d
Correct Answer
E. A and dExplanation
The interosseus membrane connects the radius and ulna along their length (antebrachial = forearm) with ligament-like fibers that are long enough that the radius can rotate around the ulna. A syndesmoses is a type of fibrous joint, so both a and d were correct.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The ligament connecting a gomphosis is known as the?
- A.
Syndesmoses
- B.
Fibrous capsule
- C.
Periodontal
- D.
Diarthroses
Correct Answer
C. PeriodontalExplanation
A gomphosis is a peg-in-socket fibrous joint that is only found in the articulation between a tooth and its bony alveolar (part of mandible/maxilla - jaw) socket. The connection in this case is the short periodontal ligament.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The type of joint where articulating bones are joined by JUST hyaline cartilage are known as?
- A.
Symphyses
- B.
Syndesmoses
- C.
Synchondrosis
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. SynchondrosisExplanation
a synchondrosis is a "junction of cartilage" Virtually all synchondroses are synarthrotic (immovable). The most common example is the epiphyseal plate of youth which like most things of youth eventually ossifies (turns to bone).Rate this question:
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- 10.
Interverterbal joints are an example of:
- A.
Cartilaginous joint
- B.
Diarthrotic joint
- C.
Symphyses
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Symphyses are cartilaginous joints that are slightly movable (diarthrotic), so the answer was all of the above. Symphyses consist of hyaline cartilage covered articular surfaces fused to a pad or plate of fibrocartilage (which because it is compressible allows the slight movement).Rate this question:
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- 11.
The defining feature of the synovial joint is what?
- A.
Synovial fluid
- B.
Ligaments
- C.
Articular cartilage
- D.
Joint cavity
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. Joint cavityExplanation
All of the above are features of a synovial joint, but a synovial joint is the only structure containing a joint cavity. Synovial fluid is also found in bursae and in some articular cartilage. Ligaments are also found in syndesmoses and gomphoses. Articular cartilage is also found in all cartilaginous joints.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The external layer of the articular capsule is known as the:
- A.
Synovial membrane
- B.
Fibrous capsule
- C.
Articular cartilage
- D.
Loose connective tissue
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Fibrous capsuleExplanation
The articular capsule is two-layered, consisting of a tough fibrous capsule external layer (the correct answer) which is composed of dense irregular connective tissue that is continuous with the periostea of articulating bones. The inner layer of the articular capsule (also known as a joint capsule) is called the synovial membrane. It is composed of loose connective tissue and covers all internal joint surfaces not covered with hyaline (articular) cartilage.Rate this question:
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- 13.
This substance contributes to the viscosity and consistency of synovial fluid:
- A.
Hyaluronic acid
- B.
Hyaline cartilage
- C.
White blood cells
- D.
Yellow marrow
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Hyaluronic acidExplanation
Hyaluronic acid contributes to the viscous, egg-like consistency (synovi = joint egg) of the synovial fluid, which does thin as the joint sees activity and warms up.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following does not contain synovial fluid?
- A.
Bursae
- B.
Synovial joint capsule
- C.
Tendon Sheath
- D.
All of the above contain synovial fluid
- E.
None of the above contain synovial fluid
Correct Answer
D. All of the above contain synovial fluidExplanation
All three of these structures may contain some amount of synovial fluid.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The most important factor in the stability of a synovial joint is:
- A.
Shape of articular bone surfaces
- B.
Number of ligaments
- C.
Amount of synovial fluid
- D.
Muscle tone of connecting tendons
- E.
All of the above are equally important
Correct Answer
D. Muscle tone of connecting tendonsExplanation
The shape of articular bone surfaces is helpful for stability (especially in the case of the hip joint), and the number of ligaments (and size/strength of them) can contribute to stability, but the muscle tone of the muscles connected to the tendons attached to the joint is the most important factor.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Synovial joints are capable of what types of movement?
- A.
Nonaxial - slipping only
- B.
Uniaxial - movement in 1 plane
- C.
Biaxial - movement in 2 planes
- D.
Multiaxial - movement in 3 planes
- E.
All of the above movements are possible depending on the joint
Correct Answer
E. All of the above movements are possible depending on the jointExplanation
All movements are possible depending on the joint.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Intercarpal joints are an example of a:
- A.
Plane joint
- B.
Hinge joint
- C.
Pivot Joint
- D.
Condyloid Joint
- E.
Ball & Socket Joint
Correct Answer
A. Plane jointExplanation
Intercarpal joints are plane joints (flat articular surfaces that allow slight gliding movements)Rate this question:
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- 18.
The interphalangeal joints are what type of joint?
- A.
Plane
- B.
Hinge
- C.
Pivot
- D.
Condyloid
- E.
Saddle
Correct Answer
B. HingeExplanation
Interphalangeal joints are hinge joints (cylindrical projection articulating with a trough-shaped surface resembling a door hinge)Rate this question:
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- 19.
The Atlantoaxial joint (articulation of C1 & C2/Atlas & Axis) is an example of which type of joint?
- A.
Plane
- B.
Hinge
- C.
Pivot
- D.
Condyloid
- E.
Ball & Socket
Correct Answer
C. PivotExplanation
The Atlantoaxial join is a pivot joint (rounded end protruding into a ring of bone or connective tissue). In this case it allows you to shake your head no.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The radiocarpal joint is an example of which type of joint?
- A.
Plane
- B.
Hinge
- C.
Pivot
- D.
Condyloid
- E.
Saddle
Correct Answer
D. CondyloidExplanation
The radiocarpal joint is an example of a condyloid joint ( oval surface fitting into complementary depression = both articulations ovular)Rate this question:
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- 21.
The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is which type of joint?
- A.
Plane
- B.
Hinge
- C.
Pivot
- D.
Condyloid
- E.
Saddle
Correct Answer
E. SaddleExplanation
The saddle-type carpometacarpal joint of the thumb allows you to twiddle your thumbs and this type of joint looks like a saddle.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The joint with the largest range of motion is the ball & socket joint known as the:
- A.
Acromioclavicular
- B.
Glenohumeral
- C.
Coxal (hip)
- D.
Knee
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. GlenohumeralExplanation
Acromioclavicular is a plane joint, the knee is not a ball and socket either (combo hinge/plane), and the coxal joint, although being a ball and socket doesn't have the range that the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint does.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Cartilage injuries tend to heal fairly well all by themselves.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Cartilage is avascular (without blood supply) and thus can't readily nourish itself to repair damage. Usually this type of damage is permanent.Rate this question:
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- 24.
What will you most likely end up with if you stretch your deltoid ligament 10%?
- A.
A sore shoulder
- B.
A dislocated hip
- C.
A sprained ankle
- D.
A torn medial meniscus
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. A sprained ankleExplanation
okay, so this is kind of a trick question. Look up deltoid ligament before you send hate mail or kick the dog.
The deltoid ligament is the medial ligament of the talocrural (ankle) joint and is rarely sprained by forced eversion and is usually accompanied by cartilage and/or bone damage. My deltoid ligament is in the wrong place due to a skateboarding accident back in the early 90's.Rate this question:
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- 25.
A lateral blow to an extended knee could cause damage to what structures?
- A.
Tibial collateral ligament
- B.
Medial meniscus
- C.
Anterior cruciate ligament
- D.
Checkbook
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
This is a fairly common football injury caused by a tackle from the lateral side when the foot is planted and the knee is locked.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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May 02, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 21, 2009Quiz Created by
Jsuma
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