High School Biology : Understanding Bones

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Bones

Which bone cell is responsible for resorbing bone matrix and releasing calcium into the blood?

Possible Answers:

Osteoblasts

Osteogenic cells

Osteocytes

Osteoclasts

Correct answer:

Osteoclasts

Explanation:

Osteogenic cells are a type of stem cell that differentiate into osteoblasts, which allow bone to form. Eventually, osteoblasts will become enveloped into the bone matrix and differentiate into osteocytes. Osteoclasts have the opposite function of osteoblasts, and are responsible for the resorption of bone matrix. This releases calcium into the bloodstream by breaking down bone.

Example Question #1 : Musculoskeletal System

Which of the following is NOT a function of the skeletal system?

Possible Answers:

Mineral storage

Generating heat

Supporting soft tissue

Blood cell production

Correct answer:

Generating heat

Explanation:

The skeletal system has a variety of functions, including protecting internal organs, storing minerals and energy molecules, and assisting in movement.

The production of heat, however, is a function of the muscular system.

Example Question #3 : Understanding Bones

Red blood cell development takes place in what structure in bones?

Possible Answers:

Red bone marrow

Cartilage

Osteons

Yellow bone marrow

Correct answer:

Red bone marrow

Explanation:

Red bone marrow is found in the epiphyses, or ends of long bones. It is the site of hematopoiesis, or red blood cell development.

Yellow bone marrow is primarily composed of fat. Osteons are the functional units of bone, and house the cells that build and break down the bony matrix. Cartilage is found on the articular surfaces of bone, and helps provide support for joints.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Bones

Which of the following is a primary function of bone marrow?

Possible Answers:

Mineral storage

Protection

Blood cell production

Detoxification

Movement

Correct answer:

Blood cell production

Explanation:

Bone marrow is the major producer of blood cells, including most of those in the immune system.

The other answer options listed are functions of the bones in the skeletal system, but are not directly linked to the bone marrow. The skeletal system stores calcium and phosphorus, which in turn make the bones strong. Bones can complement to liver to detoxify blood by removing metals such as lead and radium. Muscles attach to bones and generate movement. The skull protects the brain. The rib cage protects the heart and lungs. 

Example Question #5 : Understanding Bones

Ligaments connect __________.

Possible Answers:

muscle to muscle

bone to muscle

bone to bone

muscle to muscle

muscle to tendon

Correct answer:

bone to bone

Explanation:

Ligaments are made of dense connective tissue and connect bone to bone. Have you ever sprained your ankle? Chances are you partially or fully tore some ligaments in your ankle. Unfortunately, ligaments do not heal very well since there is almost no blood supply to them, and instead lay down scar tissue. Tendons connect bone to muscle. Muscles are already attached to tendons.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Bones

What is the function of osteoclasts?

Possible Answers:

Merging bone cells

Bone formation

Diversification of osteocytes

Storage of excess osteocytes

Bone resorption

Correct answer:

Bone resorption

Explanation:

Osteoclasts are cells that resorb, or destroy bone, and are found in lacunae of bones. Since one of the functions of bone is storage of minerals, if the mineral content of the blood drops below the set point, osteoclasts are recruited. They break down bone, releasing the minerals into the blood. Osteoblasts do the opposite. If the levels of minerals in the blood are higher than the set point, osteoblasts will take them and convert them into bone via a process called bone formation, or ossification. 

Example Question #2 : Understanding Bones

What type of bone cell is active during the formation of new bone and during the production of bone during bone remodeling?

Possible Answers:

Osteoclasts

Chondrocytes

Osteocrysts

Osteoblasts

Osteocytes

Correct answer:

Osteoblasts

Explanation:

There are actually only three types of bone cells: osteocytes, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts.  Osteoblasts are the "builders" (think "blasts build") and are responsible for laying down new bone for the constant bone remodeling that goes on throughout all your life as well as initial bone growth. Osteoclasts are the opposite of osteoblasts and are also active in bone remodeling by taking old bone away (think "clasts kill"). Osteocytes are the third and final type that are inactive and are found in individual lacunae (think "cytes sit"). Chondrocytes are cartilage cells. 

Example Question #3 : Understanding Bones

Which of the following cells are responsible for breaking and absorbing bone?

Possible Answers:

Follicular cell

Osteoclast

Osteoblast

Neuron

Hepatocyte

Correct answer:

Osteoclast

Explanation:

Osteoclasts break bone and cause calcium to be reabsorbed into the blood stream whereas osteoblasts lay foundations for new bone mineralization. 

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