Which type of bone, found in the wrist (carpals) and ankle (tarsals), is composed of small, irregularly shaped bones that allow for flexibility in joint movement?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carpals and tarsals are short bones, roughly equal in length and width, providing stability and flexibility in wrist and ankle joints. They are not irregularly shaped (like vertebrae) but are classified as short, making 'Short bone' the correct answer despite the question’s phrasing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Joints are classified by movement: immovable (e.g., skull sutures), slightly movable (e.g., vertebrae), and freely movable (synovial). Hinge joints (e.g., elbow) allow bending in one plane, and ball-and-socket joints (e.g., shoulder) permit multi-directional movement—both are correct per the document. Fixed joints don’t move, cartilage joints are slightly movable, and tendon joints aren’t a category, making 'hinge joints' a correct choice (noting ball-and-socket is also valid).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Flat bones, such as the scapula and cranial bones, are thin, broad, and plate-like, offering protection (e.g., skull) and muscle attachment surfaces. Irregular bones are complex, long bones are cylindrical, and short bones are cube-like, making 'flat' the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An articulation is the point where two bones meet, forming a joint (e.g., knee). The diaphysis and epiphysis are parts of long bones, and the endosteum lines the marrow cavity, making 'articulation' the correct term.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Osteoclasts, which break down bone, derive from monocytes (white blood cells) in the bone marrow. Osteoprogenitor cells are stem cells, osteoblasts form bone, and osteocytes maintain it, making 'osteoclasts' the correct answer.