MCAT Biology Practice Test 11: The Musculoskeletal System

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1.

During muscle contraction, which of the following regions decrease(s) in length?

  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 3 and 4 only
  • D. 2, 3, and 4 only

2.

Region 1 refers to:

  • A. the thick filaments only.
  • B. the thin filaments only.
  • C. the A-band.
  • D. the I-band.

3.

Which region represents one sarcomere?

  • A. 1
  • B. 2
  • C. 3
  • D. 4

4. With which of the following molecules does Ca2+ bind after its release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to regulate muscle contraction?

  • A. Myosin
  • B. Actin
  • C. Troponin
  • D. Tropomyosin

5. Which of the following cells is correctly coupled with its definition?

  • A. Osteoblasts—bone cells involved in the secretion of bone matrix
  • B. Osteoclasts—immature bone cells
  • C. Osteocytes—polynucleated cells actively involved in bone resorption
  • D. Chondrocytes—undifferentiated bone marrow cells

6. An X-ray of the right femur in a child shows that it is shorter than the opposite femur, and below the average length for a child of this age. Which region of the bone is most likely to have an abnormality?

  • A. Diaphysis
  • B. Metaphysis
  • C. Epiphysis
  • D. Periosteum

7. Which of the following INCORRECTLY pairs a type of muscle fiber with a characteristic of that fiber?

  • A. Red fibers—rich in mitochondria
  • B. Red fibers—high levels of myoglobin
  • C. White fibers—fast-twitching
  • D. White fibers—predominantly uses aerobic respiration

8. When the knee moves back and forth during walking, what prevents the surfaces of the leg bones from rubbing against each other?

  • A. Articular cartilage
  • B. Epiphyses
  • C. Synovial fluid
  • D. Smooth muscle

9. Which type(s) of muscle is/are always multinucleated?

I. Cardiac muscle

II. Skeletal muscle

III. Smooth muscle

  • A. I only
  • B. II only
  • C. III only
  • D. I and II only

10. Which type(s) of muscle has/have myogenic activity?

I. Cardiac muscle

II. Skeletal muscle

III. Smooth muscle

  • A. I only
  • B. II only
  • C. III only
  • D. I and III only

11. Red bone marrow is involved in erythrocyte formation. In contrast, yellow bone marrow:

  • A. is involved in leukocyte formation.
  • B. is responsible for drainage of lymph.
  • C. causes the formation of spicules.
  • D. contains predominantly adipose tissue.

12. Which of the following statements regarding the periosteum is INCORRECT?

  • A. The periosteum serves as a site of attachment of bone to muscle.
  • B. Cells of the periosteum may differentiate into osteoblasts.
  • C. The periosteum is a fibrous sheath that surrounds long bones.
  • D. The periosteum secretes fluid into the joint cavity.

13. Which of the following bones is NOT a part of the appendicular skeleton?

  • A. The triquetrum, one of the carpal bones
  • B. The calcaneus, which forms the heel
  • C. The ischium, one of the fused pelvic bones
  • D. The sternum, or breastbone

14. To facilitate the process of birth, an infant's head is somewhat flexible. This flexibility is given in part by the two fontanelles, which are soft spots of connective tissue in the infant's skull. With time, the fontanelles will close through a process known as:

  • A. endochondral ossification.
  • B. intramembranous ossification.
  • C. bone resorption.
  • D. longitudinal growth.

15. A young woman presents to the emergency room with a broken hip. She denies any recent history of trauma to the joint. Blood tests reveal a calcium concentration of (normal: 8.4–10.2). Which tissue is likely responsible for these findings?

  • A. Thyroid
  • B. Cartilage
  • C. Parathyroid
  • D. Smooth muscle