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BIOL251 Human Anatomy & Physiology I –
Module 4 Exam Practice West Coast
University | 2026 Actual Questions with
Answers and Rationales Instant Download
PDF
Section 1: Skeletal System Overview and Bone Tissue (Questions 1-
80)
1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the skeletal system?
A. Support and protection of organs
B. Mineral storage (calcium and phosphorus)
C. Blood cell production (hematopoiesis)
D. Temperature regulation
Answer: D. Temperature regulation
Rationale: The skeletal system provides support, protection,
mineral storage, hematopoiesis, and triglyceride storage.
Temperature regulation is a function of the integumentary and
muscular systems .
2. The shaft of a long bone is called the:
A. Epiphysis
B. Diaphysis
C. Metaphysis
D. Periosteum
Answer: B. Diaphysis
Rationale: The diaphysis is the shaft or central portion of a long
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bone. The epiphysis is the end, the metaphysis is the growth plate
region, and the periosteum is the outer covering .
3. The expanded ends of a long bone where articulation occurs are
called:
A. Diaphysis
B. Epiphysis
C. Metaphysis
D. Medullary cavity
Answer: B. Epiphysis
Rationale: The epiphysis is the expanded end of a long bone that
articulates with another bone. It is covered with articular cartilage
and contains red bone marrow .
4. The growth plate (epiphyseal plate) is located in the:
A. Diaphysis
B. Epiphysis
C. Metaphysis
D. Periosteum
Answer: C. Metaphysis
Rationale: The metaphysis is the region between the diaphysis and
epiphysis that contains the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) in
growing bones .
5. Which type of bone is approximately equal in length and width?
A. Long bone
B. Short bone
C. Flat bone
D. Irregular bone
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Answer: B. Short bone
Rationale: Short bones are roughly cube-shaped with equal length
and width. Examples include carpals and tarsals .
6. Which type of bone is thin and curved, providing protection and
muscle attachment?
A. Long bone
B. Short bone
C. Flat bone
D. Irregular bone
Answer: C. Flat bone
Rationale: Flat bones are thin, flattened, and often curved. They
provide protection (skull, ribs) and surface area for muscle
attachment (scapula) .
7. Which type of bone has a complex shape that does not fit other
categories?
A. Long bone
B. Short bone
C. Flat bone
D. Irregular bone
Answer: D. Irregular bone
Rationale: Irregular bones have complex shapes that do not fit
other categories. Examples include vertebrae and facial bones .
8. Sesamoid bones are classified based on:
A. Shape
B. Location within tendons
C. Size
D. Function
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Answer: B. Location within tendons
Rationale: Sesamoid bones form within tendons where they are
subject to friction and pressure. The patella is the largest sesamoid
bone .
9. The outer covering of bone that provides attachment for tendons
and ligaments is the:
A. Endosteum
B. Periosteum
C. Perichondrium
D. Epimysium
Answer: B. Periosteum
Rationale: The periosteum is a dense fibrous membrane covering
the outer surface of bone. It provides attachment for tendons and
ligaments and contains osteoblasts for bone growth and repair .
10. The inner lining of the medullary cavity is called the:
A. Periosteum
B. Endosteum
C. Perichondrium
D. Epimysium
Answer: B. Endosteum
Rationale: The endosteum is a thin membrane lining the medullary
cavity. It contains osteoblasts and osteoclasts involved in bone
growth, remodeling, and repair .
11. Which type of bone tissue contains trabeculae and is found in
the epiphyses?
A. Compact bone
B. Spongy (cancellous) bone
BIOL251 Human Anatomy & Physiology I –
Module 4 Exam Practice West Coast
University | 2026 Actual Questions with
Answers and Rationales Instant Download
Section 1: Skeletal System Overview and Bone Tissue (Questions 1-
80)
1. Which of the following is NOT a function of the skeletal system?
A. Support and protection of organs
B. Mineral storage (calcium and phosphorus)
C. Blood cell production (hematopoiesis)
D. Temperature regulation
Answer: D. Temperature regulation
Rationale: The skeletal system provides support, protection,
mineral storage, hematopoiesis, and triglyceride storage.
Temperature regulation is a function of the integumentary and
muscular systems .
2. The shaft of a long bone is called the:
A. Epiphysis
B. Diaphysis
C. Metaphysis
D. Periosteum
Answer: B. Diaphysis
Rationale: The diaphysis is the shaft or central portion of a long
,2|Page
bone. The epiphysis is the end, the metaphysis is the growth plate
region, and the periosteum is the outer covering .
3. The expanded ends of a long bone where articulation occurs are
called:
A. Diaphysis
B. Epiphysis
C. Metaphysis
D. Medullary cavity
Answer: B. Epiphysis
Rationale: The epiphysis is the expanded end of a long bone that
articulates with another bone. It is covered with articular cartilage
and contains red bone marrow .
4. The growth plate (epiphyseal plate) is located in the:
A. Diaphysis
B. Epiphysis
C. Metaphysis
D. Periosteum
Answer: C. Metaphysis
Rationale: The metaphysis is the region between the diaphysis and
epiphysis that contains the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) in
growing bones .
5. Which type of bone is approximately equal in length and width?
A. Long bone
B. Short bone
C. Flat bone
D. Irregular bone
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Answer: B. Short bone
Rationale: Short bones are roughly cube-shaped with equal length
and width. Examples include carpals and tarsals .
6. Which type of bone is thin and curved, providing protection and
muscle attachment?
A. Long bone
B. Short bone
C. Flat bone
D. Irregular bone
Answer: C. Flat bone
Rationale: Flat bones are thin, flattened, and often curved. They
provide protection (skull, ribs) and surface area for muscle
attachment (scapula) .
7. Which type of bone has a complex shape that does not fit other
categories?
A. Long bone
B. Short bone
C. Flat bone
D. Irregular bone
Answer: D. Irregular bone
Rationale: Irregular bones have complex shapes that do not fit
other categories. Examples include vertebrae and facial bones .
8. Sesamoid bones are classified based on:
A. Shape
B. Location within tendons
C. Size
D. Function
, 4|Page
Answer: B. Location within tendons
Rationale: Sesamoid bones form within tendons where they are
subject to friction and pressure. The patella is the largest sesamoid
bone .
9. The outer covering of bone that provides attachment for tendons
and ligaments is the:
A. Endosteum
B. Periosteum
C. Perichondrium
D. Epimysium
Answer: B. Periosteum
Rationale: The periosteum is a dense fibrous membrane covering
the outer surface of bone. It provides attachment for tendons and
ligaments and contains osteoblasts for bone growth and repair .
10. The inner lining of the medullary cavity is called the:
A. Periosteum
B. Endosteum
C. Perichondrium
D. Epimysium
Answer: B. Endosteum
Rationale: The endosteum is a thin membrane lining the medullary
cavity. It contains osteoblasts and osteoclasts involved in bone
growth, remodeling, and repair .
11. Which type of bone tissue contains trabeculae and is found in
the epiphyses?
A. Compact bone
B. Spongy (cancellous) bone
