COF Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which tarsal bone articulates with the tibia and fibula to form the ankle mortise joint?
- Calcaneus
- Talus (Correct answer)
- Navicular
- Cuboid
Correct answer: Talus
The talus sits within the ankle mortise, articulating with the distal tibia and fibula to form the talocrural joint.
Question 2: What is the primary function of the plantar fascia?
- Dorsiflexion of the ankle
- Support of the medial longitudinal arch (Correct answer)
- Inversion of the subtalar joint
- Plantarflexion of the toes
Correct answer: Support of the medial longitudinal arch
The plantar fascia acts as a static support structure for the medial longitudinal arch, functioning as a windlass mechanism during gait.
Question 3: Which nerve is responsible for sensation on the dorsum of the foot and is commonly tested when evaluating L4-L5 dermatomal integrity?
- Sural nerve
- Tibial nerve
- Deep peroneal nerve (Correct answer)
- Saphenous nerve
Correct answer: Deep peroneal nerve
The deep peroneal nerve supplies sensation to the first web space on the dorsum of the foot and reflects L4-L5 nerve root function.
Question 4: The Q-angle is measured as the angle between the quadriceps line of pull and the patellar tendon. An abnormally increased Q-angle is associated with which structural alignment issue?
- Genu varum
- Tibial torsion internally
- Genu valgum (Correct answer)
- Calcaneal varus
Correct answer: Genu valgum
Genu valgum (knock-knee) increases the Q-angle by shifting the tibial tubercle laterally relative to the anterior superior iliac spine.
Question 5: Which muscle group is the primary active stabilizer of the subtalar joint during the loading response phase of gait?
- Tibialis anterior
- Gastrocnemius-soleus complex
- Tibialis posterior (Correct answer)
- Peroneus longus
Correct answer: Tibialis posterior
The tibialis posterior eccentrically controls subtalar pronation during loading response, serving as the primary dynamic support of the medial arch.
Question 6: In the wrist and hand, which carpal bone is most frequently fractured due to a fall on an outstretched hand?
- Lunate
- Triquetrum
- Scaphoid (Correct answer)
- Hamate
Correct answer: Scaphoid
The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone because it bears the brunt of axial loading forces during a fall on an outstretched hand.
Question 7: Which spinal landmark is typically used to identify the level of L4-L5 when palpating from the posterior surface?
- Inferior angle of the scapula
- Iliac crest (Correct answer)
- Posterior superior iliac spine
- Greater trochanter
Correct answer: Iliac crest
The iliac crest generally aligns with the L4-L5 interspace, making it a reliable surface landmark for lumbar level identification.
COF Human Anatomy & Physiology 2
Which tarsal bone articulates with the tibia and fibula to form the ankle mortise joint?