The Axial Skeleton

What is the shape and function of the sphenoid bone?

• Square-shaped bone that supports the jaw.

• Butterfly-shaped bone that forms the central wedge articulating with all other cranial bones.

• Circular bone that protects the brain.

• Triangular bone located at the base of the skull.

How many cranial bones are there and what are they?

• 6 cranial bones: frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid.

• 8 cranial bones: frontal, two parietal, two temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid.

• 10 cranial bones: frontal, two parietal, two temporal, occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid, and zygomatic.

• 7 cranial bones: frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid, and nasal.

Which bone in the skull is attached by a movable joint?

• The mandible (jawbone).

• The frontal bone.

• The parietal bone.

• The occipital bone.

What is unique about the hyoid bone?

• It is part of the skull.

• It lies just inferior to the mandible and does not articulate directly with another bone.

• It is the only bone in the body that can move independently.

• It is the largest bone in the human body.

What is the vomer and its function?

• A bone located in the upper jaw that supports the teeth.

• A single bone in the median line of the nasal cavity, forming most of the nasal septum.

• A cartilage structure that connects the nasal passages to the throat.

• A bone in the skull that protects the brain.

What is the function of the frontal bone?

• Forms the anterior portion of the cranium, bony projections under the eyebrows, and the superior part of each eye’s orbit.

• Protects the brain from impact and injury.

• Supports the structure of the nasal cavity and sinuses.

• Facilitates the movement of the jaw during chewing.

What are the palatine bones and their significance?

• Two bone plates that form portions of the hard palate; failure to fuse medially results in cleft palate.

• Small bones located in the nasal cavity that support the nasal septum.

• Bones that form the upper jaw and hold the teeth in place.

• Flat bones that protect the brain and support the skull.

What are the lacrimal bones and their function?

• Small bones located in the nasal cavity that help in sound production.

• Fingernail-size bones forming part of the medial walls of each orbit, with a groove serving as a passageway for tears.

• Large bones that form the structure of the jaw and support teeth.

• Bones located in the forehead that protect the brain from injury.

Where is the ethmoid bone located and what is its function?

• It is located at the base of the skull and supports the brain.

• It is the most deep of the skull bones, lies anterior to the sphenoid, and forms most of the bony area between the nasal cavity and the eye orbits.

• It is located in the jaw and helps in chewing.

• It is found in the forehead region and protects the frontal lobe.

What are the inferior nasal conchae?

• Paired, curved bones that form part of the lateral walls of the nasal cavity.

• Small, flat bones located in the roof of the mouth.

• Long, straight bones that support the nasal septum.

• Irregularly shaped bones found in the forehead region.