OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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Which statement is NOT true of the protective functions of bones?

  1. the vertebral column protects the spinal cord

  2. the rib cage protects the small and large intestines

  3. the skull protects the brain, eyes and ears

  4. spongy bone in the flat and irregular bones protects the red bone marrow

The correct answer is: the rib cage protects the small and large intestines

The statement regarding the rib cage protecting the small and large intestines is not accurate in terms of the primary functions of the rib cage. The rib cage serves as a protective structure mainly for vital organs in the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and lungs, rather than providing direct protection to the digestive organs located in the abdominal cavity. In contrast, the vertebral column does indeed protect the spinal cord, which is essential for the central nervous system. The skull serves to guard the brain, eyes, and ears, providing a strong encasement for these critical structures. Lastly, spongy bone found in flat and irregular bones serves to protect red bone marrow, which plays a crucial role in hematopoiesis (the production of blood cells). Each of these statements accurately describes the protective functions associated with the respective bones.