Practice Questions

Correct: Chondrocytes, lacunae, an avascular nature, and a flexible matrix are characteristic features of cartilage. A & B: Bone contains osteocytes and blood vessels. D: Tendons consist mainly of dense connective tissue with fibroblasts. Concept: Identification and characteristics of cartilage.

Correct: Children's bones contain more cartilage and collagen, making them more flexible. A & C: These increase rigidity. D: Osteoblast activity is actually higher during growth. Concept: Age-related differences in bone composition.

Correct: Articular cartilage cushions joints and reduces friction during movement. A: Synovial membrane produces synovial fluid. C: Bone stores calcium. D: Tendons connect muscles to bones. Concept: Function of articular cartilage.

Correct: Haversian systems are unique to compact bone. A: Both tissues contain cells in lacunae. B & D: Both possess extracellular matrix and collagen. Concept: Histological comparison.

Correct: Decalcified bone becomes flexible because collagen remains, similar to cartilage. A & D: Mineral content is low in decalcified bone and cartilage. C: Haversian canals occur only in bone. Concept: Mechanical properties of connective tissues.

Correct: Blood vessels and osteoblasts enable efficient repair of bone. A: Chondrin is found in cartilage. C: Bone has abundant matrix. D: Flexibility is greater in cartilage. Concept: Bone healing.

Correct: Osteoblasts build bone, while osteoclasts resorb bone, maintaining bone homeostasis. A, C & D: These cell pairs do not perform bone remodeling together. Concept: Bone remodeling.

Correct: The epiphyseal plate is responsible for longitudinal bone growth. Early closure prevents further increase in bone length. A: Thickness growth continues through periosteum. C & D: These are unrelated. Concept: Growth of long bones.

Correct: Bone combines hardness from mineral salts with strength from collagen fibers. A: Bone is not highly elastic. C: Chondrin is characteristic of cartilage. D: Bone contains living cells. Concept: Structure-function relationship of bone.

Correct: Cartilage is avascular, so nutrients diffuse through the matrix from surrounding tissues. A & C: These are features of bone, not cartilage. D: Periosteum surrounds bone, not cartilage. Concept: Nutrition of cartilage.