Free Skeletal and Muscular Systems MCQs with Answers

• A. Osteon
• B. Trabecula
• C. Periosteum
• D. Epiphyseal plate

Explanation: The osteon, also called the Haversian system, is the basic unit of compact bone.

• A. Tendon
• B. Ligament
• C. Fascia
• D. Periosteum

Explanation: A ligament connects bone to bone and helps stabilise a joint. A tendon connects skeletal muscle to bone, which is the common trap in this…

• A. It joins bone to bone and limits motion
• B. It joins muscle to bone and transmits force
• C. It covers cartilage and produces synovial fluid
• D. It connects adjacent muscle fibres together

Explanation: A tendon attaches muscle to bone and transmits the force of muscle contraction to produce movement.

• A. Femur
• B. Scapula
• C. Vertebral column
• D. Pelvic girdle

Explanation: The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs and sternum, which form the central axis of the body.

• A. To produce red blood cells
• B. To reduce friction between joint surfaces
• C. To attach muscle directly to bone
• D. To store calcium in the marrow

Explanation: Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones in synovial joints and provides a smooth, low-friction surface.

• A. They slide toward the M line
• B. They slide away from the M line
• C. They break into smaller protein units
• D. They move out of the muscle fibre

Explanation: During contraction, thin actin filaments slide toward the M line between the thick myosin filaments.

• A. Calcium binds to troponin
• B. Acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft
• C. Myosin detaches from actin
• D. The sarcomere returns to its resting length

Explanation: Arrival of the nerve impulse at the motor nerve ending causes release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft.

• A. It is striated and usually voluntary
• B. It is non-striated and found in hollow organs
• C. It is striated and contains intercalated discs
• D. It is attached to bones and has multiple nuclei

Explanation: Cardiac muscle is striated, involuntary and contains intercalated discs that help cardiac cells contract together.

• A. Calcium blocks actin from binding to myosin
• B. Calcium binds to troponin and exposes binding sites
• C. Calcium breaks down acetylcholine in the synapse
• D. Calcium prevents ATP from being used by myosin

Explanation: Calcium binds to troponin, causing tropomyosin to move away from the active sites on actin.

• A. Apply a warm pack to the affected foot
• B. Document the finding and reassess after one hour
• C. Report the absent pulse immediately and maintain immobilisation
• D. Encourage active ankle exercises to improve circulation

Explanation: An absent distal pulse with a pale, cool foot suggests impaired circulation and possible vascular compromise.

• A. Osteoclast
• B. Osteoblast
• C. Osteocyte
• D. Chondrocyte

Explanation: Osteoblasts produce the bone matrix and help mineralise new bone. Osteoclasts break down bone, osteocytes maintain mature bone, and…

• A. Yellow bone marrow
• B. Red bone marrow
• C. Compact bone
• D. Periosteal membrane

Explanation: Red bone marrow is the main site of blood cell formation in adults. Yellow marrow mainly stores fat, while compact bone and periosteum do…

• A. Endosteum
• B. Periosteum
• C. Epiphyseal plate
• D. Articular cartilage

Explanation: The periosteum is a vascular, innervated connective tissue covering the external bone surface.

• A. A fibrous connection with no joint cavity
• B. A synovial cavity containing lubricating fluid
• C. A solid cartilage bridge between bones
• D. A fixed connection formed by bone fusion

Explanation: The shoulder is a synovial joint, with a joint cavity and synovial fluid that reduce friction and permit extensive movement.

• A. Sternum
• B. Vertebral column
• C. Clavicle
• D. Cranium

Explanation: The clavicle is part of the pectoral girdle, which belongs to the appendicular skeleton.

• A. They form new cartilage at joint surfaces
• B. They break down mineralised bone tissue
• C. They produce collagen for skeletal muscle
• D. They store calcium inside muscle fibres

Explanation: Osteoclasts resorb bone by dissolving mineral and degrading the organic matrix.

• A. The actin filaments become shorter
• B. The myosin filaments become shorter
• C. The Z lines move closer together
• D. The number of sarcomeres increases

Explanation: As myosin pulls actin toward the centre, the Z lines move closer and the sarcomere shortens.

• A. Release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
• B. Attachment of oxygen to haemoglobin
• C. Separation of myosin heads from actin
• D. Formation of acetylcholine in the nerve cell

Explanation: ATP is needed for myosin heads to detach from actin after a power stroke.

• A. Long, cylindrical, multinucleated fibres
• B. Voluntary control through somatic nerves
• C. Spindle-shaped cells without visible striations
• D. Rapid contraction attached directly to bones

Explanation: Smooth muscle has spindle-shaped cells, a single central nucleus, and no visible striations.

• A. A tendon attaching muscle to bone
• B. A ligament stabilising a joint
• C. A bursa reducing joint friction
• D. A meniscus cushioning a joint

Explanation: A tendon transmits the force of a muscle to a bone and is needed for active joint movement.