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Medical Meanings: Names of Bones

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Fun Trivia : Quizzes : Skeletal System : Medical Meanings: Names of Bones
"Have you ever wondered "Why did they call it THAT?"? This quiz explores the meanings behind the names of some of the 206 bones which make up your skeleton."


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?
    accessory
    axis
    atlas
    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?
    clavicle
    capitate
    carpal
    coccyx


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


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


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
    stapes
    malleus
    vomer


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


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


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?
    scapula
    xiphoid
    sternum
    clavicle


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


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