NCLEX : Joints

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Joints

The articulation between the intervertebral disc is what type of joint?

Possible Answers:

Synarthrotic

Synovial

Cartilaginous

Diarthrotic

Correct answer:

Cartilaginous

Explanation:

The intervertebral disc articulate with the vertebrae via cartilaginous symphysis joints. These joints are amphiarthrotic, meaning that they allow for slight mobility. 

Synovial joints are all diarthrotic and characterized by a flexible joint capsule filled with synovial fluid. Synarthrotic joints have no movement - examples include the skull bones and the joints of the teeth to the jaw.

Example Question #2 : Joints

The head of the femur articulates with what structure of the hip joint?

Possible Answers:

The glenoid fossa

The obturator foramen

The patella

The acetabulum 

Correct answer:

The acetabulum 

Explanation:

The head of the femur articulates with the acetabulum, a concave surface on the pelvis formed by the union of three bones: the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis. 

The obturator foramen is a large opening in the pelvis formed by the pubis and the ischium bilaterally. It does not form any joints but rather allows the passage of the obturator artery, nerve, and vein.

The glenoid fossa is the surface onto which the head of the humerus articulates in the shoulder, and the patella is a part of the knee.

Example Question #3 : Joints

Which of the following structures is a type of synovial fluid sac between bones and overlying tissues?

Possible Answers:

Ligament

Tendon

Bursa

Capsule

Correct answer:

Bursa

Explanation:

Bursae are synovial fluid sac between bones and overlying tissues. They provide a cushion between the bone and tendons or musculature around them, allowing for reduced friction and painless movement.

A tendon is a connective tissue point of attachment of muscle to bone, while a ligament is a connective tissue attachment from bone to bone. A capsule is a fibrous, fluid filled structure surrounding a synovial joint.  

Example Question #4 : Joints

Individuals who grind their teeth are at risk of causing damage to which of the following joints?

Possible Answers:

The intermetacarpal joint

The xiphisternal joint

The temporomandibular joint

The pisotriquetral joint

Correct answer:

The temporomandibular joint

Explanation:

Bruxism, or involuntary tooth grinding, can cause inflammation and damage in the temporomandibular joint, which is the articulation between the condyle of the mandible and the temporal bone. 

The xiphisternal joint is between the xiphoid process and the body of the sternum. The intermetacarpal joints are formed between the metacarpal bones of the hand, and the pisotriquetral joint is between the pisiform and triquetrum of the wrist.

Example Question #5 : Joints

Which of the following is a term for movement along a sagittal plane that decreases the angle between bones?

Possible Answers:

Flexion

Extension

Adduction

Abduction

Correct answer:

Flexion

Explanation:

Movement along a sagittal plane that decreases the angle between bones is flexion. This is in contrast to extension, which is movement along a sagittal plane that increases the angle between bones. Adduction is movement that pulls a structure toward the midline of the body, while abduction moves a structure away from midline.

Example Question #6 : Joints

Which of the following joints is capable of circumduction?

Possible Answers:

The elbow

The knee

The shoulder

The sacroiliac joint

Correct answer:

The shoulder

Explanation:

Circumduction is movement that produces a circular motion wth the distal end of a body part. True circumduction allows for a 360 degree range of movement. Of the joints listed, the only one capable of circumduction is the shoulder. 

Example Question #6 : Joints

Which of the following is an example of a condyloid joint?

Possible Answers:

The glenohumeral joint

The metacarpophalangeal joints

The acromioclavicular joint

The humeroradial joint

Correct answer:

The metacarpophalangeal joints

Explanation:

Condyloid joints are a form of synovial joint in which a condyle rests in an ovoid cavity. Of the joints listed, the only condyloid joint is the metacarpophalangeal joints (the joint of the most proximal knuckle).

The acromioclavicular joint is a plane joint, while the glenohumeral and humeroradial joints are both ball and socket joints.

Example Question #8 : Joints

The patella articulates with which of the following bones?

Possible Answers:

The tibia

The femur

The fibula

The tibia and fibula

Correct answer:

The femur

Explanation:

The only bone that the patella, or kneecap, articulates with is the femur, at the patellofemoral joint. The patella is a sesamoid bone, meaning it is fully embedded within a tendon. The patellar ligament joins the patella to the tibial tuberosity (but not the fibula).

Example Question #7 : Joints

Which of the following are three structural classifications of joints?

Possible Answers:

Sutures, syndesmosis, gomphosis

Synarthrosis, ampiarthrosis, and diarthrosis

Condyloid, gliding, and hinge

Fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial

Correct answer:

Fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial

Explanation:

The structural classification of joints divides them according to the form of tissue that connects bones to each other. The three structural divisions of joints are fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial. In contrast, synarthrosis, amphiarthrosis, and diarthrosis are all classifications of a joint's movement.

Condyloid, gliding, and hinge joints are all types of synovial joints, while sutures, syndesmosis, and gomphosis are all types of fibrous joints.

Example Question #8 : Joints

Gomphosis joints are fibrous joints found between the __________.

Possible Answers:

skull bones

tooth and socket

tibia and fibula

radius and the ulna

Correct answer:

tooth and socket

Explanation:

Gomphosis joints are fibrous joints that attach the root of the tooth to the bony socket of the mandible or maxilla. 

Both the tibio-fibular joint and the joint between the radius and ulna are syndesmoses, while the joints between the bones of the skull are sutures.

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