Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What materials comprise the human skeleton?

1. Cartilage and blood

2. Bone and muscle

3. Cartilage and bone

4. Ligaments and tendons

The correct answer is: Cartilage and bone

The human skeleton is primarily composed of two main types of connective tissues: cartilage and bone. Cartilage is a flexible tissue that provides support and cushioning at the joints, while bone is a rigid tissue that makes up the structure of the skeleton, providing strength and protection for vital organs. This combination of cartilage and bone allows for a support system that is both durable and flexible, facilitating movement and various functions in the body. For instance, during growth, cartilage serves as a precursor to bone, and even in adults, certain areas like the nose and ears remain composed of cartilage. Other choices mention materials that do not constitute the skeleton as a whole. Blood is not a structural component of the skeleton; rather, it circulates within the body and does not provide support. Muscle tissue is involved in movement but does not form part of the skeletal framework itself. Lastly, ligaments and tendons, while related to the skeletal system by connecting bones to each other and muscles to bones respectively, are not considered part of the skeleton. They serve supportive roles around the skeleton rather than forming its core structure.