Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What structures are involved in holding bones together?

1. Cartilage and fascia

2. Joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments

3. Only ligaments and tendons

4. Only joints

The correct answer is: Joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments

The correct answer is the option that includes joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments because these structures collectively play a crucial role in connecting and stabilizing bones within the skeletal system. Joints are the points where two bones meet and can vary in structure and movement capability, allowing for flexibility while providing stability. Muscles are responsible for movement and are attached to bones through tendons, which help transmit the force from muscle contractions to the skeletal system, enabling movement at joints. Ligaments are strong, fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones, providing additional support and stability to the joints. Together, these structures ensure that the bones are held securely in place while still allowing for necessary mobility. Other options lack comprehensive coverage of the structures involved in holding bones together. For instance, cartilage is important for cushioning and joint integrity, but is not specifically a cohesive structure that holds bones together in the same way that ligaments and tendons do. Simply focusing on ligaments and tendons neglects the important roles that joints and muscles play. The mention of only joints misses the influence of ligaments and tendons in providing overall structural support. Therefore, the combination of all these components best answers the question of how bones are held together effectively in the