Medical Meanings: Names of Bones

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1. The spine consists of bones called vertebrae. The first vertebra at the top of the spinal column is usually referred to as C1 but it also has a name which it shares with a character from Greek mythology. What is the other name for the first cervical vertebra? ares axis atlas aegis

2. The second vertebra at the top of the spinal column is usually referred to as C2 but it also has another name which reflects its function. What is the other name for the second cervical vertebra? axis atlas accessory asterix

3. Now we move to the other end of the spine. The so-called "tailbone" is not really one bone; it is four bones fused together. Its anatomical name means "cuckoo". What is the correct medical terminology for the tailbone? coccyx carpal clavicle capitate

4. Which of the following bones has a name which means "holy"? sacrum palatine temporal maxilla

5. Which U-shaped bone is the only one in the human body which is not connected to any other bone? sternum hyoid patella vomer

6. Many of the bones of the human body were named because they reminded early anatomists of everyday items. For example, the three bones of the ear are named because their shapes resembled particular tools or implements. Which of the following is NOT one of the bones of the ear? incus vomer malleus stapes

7. What have you stimulated when you hit your "funny bone"? humerus scapula radius ulnar nerve

8. The small bones of the fingers and toes are called "phalanges" because they resemble which of the following items? flutes pins soldiers hooks

9. This bone has a name which means "little key" because of its shape. It is located between the breast bone and shoulder bone. What is its correct anatomical name? xiphoid scapula clavicle sternum

10. Although most bones are named for their shape, there is one group of bones whose name, rather strangely, means "nameless" or "unnamed". Which one of the following groups of bones fits this description? innominate tarsals carpals cranium