Classification and structure of joints MCQs With Answer is an essential topic for B. Pharm students, covering the anatomical types, functional categories, and microstructure of articulations relevant to pharmacology and clinical practice. This introduction reviews fibrous, cartilaginous and synovial joints, joint capsule components, synovial membrane and fluid, articular cartilage, ligaments and bursae, and common pathologies such as arthritis, dislocation and inflammation. Understanding classification, biomechanics and pathological changes helps pharmacists appreciate drug targets, intra-articular therapies and diagnostic approaches. The following MCQs emphasize structure-function relationships, histology, clinical implications and pharmacological relevance to consolidate learning. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which structural classification describes joints united by dense fibrous connective tissue with little or no movement?
- Synovial joint
- Cartilaginous joint
- Fibrous joint
- Syndesmosis only
Correct Answer: Fibrous joint
Q2. Which functional classification denotes joints that allow free movement and are typically synovial?
- Synarthrosis
- Amphiarthrosis
- Diarthrosis
- Fibroarthrosis
Correct Answer: Diarthrosis
Q3. Which type of synovial joint permits flexion and extension primarily in one plane, like the elbow?
- Pivot joint
- Hinge joint
- Ball-and-socket joint
- Plane joint
Correct Answer: Hinge joint
Q4. Articular cartilage covering opposing bone surfaces in synovial joints consists mainly of which tissue type?
- Hyaline cartilage
- Fibrocartilage
- Elastic cartilage
- Dense irregular connective tissue
Correct Answer: Hyaline cartilage
Q5. Which structure produces synovial fluid and lines the inner surface of the joint capsule?
- Articular cartilage
- Synovial membrane (synovium)
- Periosteum
- Subchondral bone
Correct Answer: Synovial membrane (synovium)
Q6. Which synovial joint type allows multi-axial movement including rotation, abduction and flexion, exemplified by the shoulder?
- Saddle joint
- Condyloid joint
- Ball-and-socket joint
- Pivot joint
Correct Answer: Ball-and-socket joint
Q7. The presence of an articular disc or meniscus is most characteristic of which joint feature?
- Synovial joints with high congruency needs (e.g., temporomandibular)
- Fibrous sutures of the skull
- Primary cartilaginous (synchondrosis) joints
- Plane synovial joints only
Correct Answer: Synovial joints with high congruency needs (e.g., temporomandibular)
Q8. Which component of the synovial joint capsule primarily provides mechanical stability and contains dense irregular connective tissue?
- Synovial fluid
- Fibrous capsule (outer layer)
- Articular cartilage
- Synovial membrane (intima)
Correct Answer: Fibrous capsule (outer layer)
Q9. Which movement involves turning the sole of the foot outward, increasing the angle between the sole and median plane?
- Pronation
- Supination
- Inversion
- Eversion
Correct Answer: Eversion
Q10. Inflammatory arthritis characterized by pannus formation, synovial hyperplasia and autoimmune features is most consistent with which diagnosis?
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gouty arthritis
- Septic arthritis
Correct Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis
Q11. Which laboratory finding in synovial fluid most strongly suggests septic (infectious) arthritis?
- Low leukocyte count, clear fluid
- High neutrophil count with positive Gram stain/culture
- Predominance of monosodium urate crystals
- Yellow, viscous fluid with low protein
Correct Answer: High neutrophil count with positive Gram stain/culture
Q12. The primary proteoglycan responsible for tensile strength and resilience of articular cartilage is:
- Type I collagen
- Aggrecan with hyaluronan
- Elastin fibers
- Laminin
Correct Answer: Aggrecan with hyaluronan
Q13. Which joint classification includes bones connected by hyaline cartilage and allows little movement, such as the epiphyseal plate?
- Synostosis
- Primary cartilaginous (synchondrosis)
- Secondary cartilaginous (symphysis)
- Syndesmosis
Correct Answer: Primary cartilaginous (synchondrosis)
Q14. Which synovial cell type is primarily responsible for producing synovial fluid components including hyaluronan and lubricin?
- Type A synoviocytes (macrophage-like)
- Type B synoviocytes (fibroblast-like)
- Chondrocytes
- Osteoclasts
Correct Answer: Type B synoviocytes (fibroblast-like)
Q15. Which ligament type generally resists excessive abduction or adduction and stabilizes a joint in one plane?
- Collateral ligament
- Gliding ligament
- Suspensory ligament
- Annular ligament
Correct Answer: Collateral ligament
Q16. In osteoarthritis, the earliest histological change in articular cartilage is usually:
- Complete loss of subchondral bone
- Fibrillation and loss of proteoglycan content
- Synovial pannus invading cartilage
- Deposition of monosodium urate crystals
Correct Answer: Fibrillation and loss of proteoglycan content
Q17. Which imaging modality best visualizes soft tissue components of a joint such as cartilage, ligaments and menisci?
- Plain radiography (X-ray)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Bone scintigraphy
Correct Answer: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Q18. Which synovial joint allows rotation around a single longitudinal axis, as seen between C1 and C2 vertebrae?
- Hinge joint
- Pivot joint
- Saddle joint
- Ball-and-socket joint
Correct Answer: Pivot joint
Q19. A subluxation differs from a dislocation in that a subluxation:
- Is a complete separation of articular surfaces
- Is partial loss of joint congruity with some contact remaining
- Always requires surgical reduction
- Occurs only in synovial plane joints
Correct Answer: Is partial loss of joint congruity with some contact remaining
Q20. Which biochemical property of synovial fluid contributes most to its lubricating function under load?
- High glucose concentration
- Presence of hyaluronan and lubricin
- High leukocyte count
- Low pH
Correct Answer: Presence of hyaluronan and lubricin
Q21. Which clinical test primarily assesses integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee?
- McMurray test
- Anterior drawer test or Lachman test
- Valgus stress test
- Phalen’s test
Correct Answer: Anterior drawer test or Lachman test
Q22. Which type of cartilaginous joint is exemplified by the pubic symphysis and intervertebral discs?
- Synchondrosis (primary cartilaginous)
- Syndesmosis (fibrous)
- Symphysis (secondary cartilaginous)
- Synostosis
Correct Answer: Symphysis (secondary cartilaginous)
Q23. Which pharmacological intervention is commonly injected intra-articularly to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid or osteoarthritic joints?
- Systemic antibiotic
- Corticosteroid (e.g., triamcinolone)
- Oral bisphosphonate
- Topical NSAID only
Correct Answer: Corticosteroid (e.g., triamcinolone)
Q24. The blood supply to articular cartilage is primarily provided by:
- Direct vessels penetrating the cartilage
- Diffusion from synovial fluid and subchondral bone
- Large arteries within the synovial membrane only
- Lymphatic vessels in the cartilage
Correct Answer: Diffusion from synovial fluid and subchondral bone
Q25. Which joint characteristic increases congruence and distributes load across articular surfaces?
- Presence of a synovial fold only
- Menisci, labra or articular discs
- Thin fibrous capsule without reinforcement
- Absence of subchondral bone
Correct Answer: Menisci, labra or articular discs
Q26. Gouty arthritis results from deposition of which crystals within joints?
- Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals
- Monosodium urate crystals
- Cholesterol crystals
- Hydroxyapatite crystals
Correct Answer: Monosodium urate crystals
Q27. Which nerve-related phenomenon often contributes to joint pain by innervating the capsule and periarticular structures?
- Autonomic denervation only
- Articular branch sensory innervation causing nociception
- Motor innervation of articular cartilage
- Lymphatic nociceptors producing pain
Correct Answer: Articular branch sensory innervation causing nociception
Q28. Which structural joint abnormality is most commonly associated with recurrent shoulder dislocations?
- Hill–Sachs lesion and Bankart lesion of the glenoid labrum
- Medial meniscus tear
- Posterior cruciate ligament rupture
- Osteophyte formation in the hip
Correct Answer: Hill–Sachs lesion and Bankart lesion of the glenoid labrum
Q29. Cartilage repair strategies under investigation include which of the following approaches relevant to B. Pharm students?
- Systemic antibiotics to regrow cartilage
- Stem cell therapy, growth factors and scaffold implantation
- Oral analgesics to induce chondrogenesis
- High-dose vitamin C injections only
Correct Answer: Stem cell therapy, growth factors and scaffold implantation
Q30. Which feature distinguishes a plane (gliding) synovial joint from others?
- It permits rotation around multiple axes
- It allows sliding movements between flat articular surfaces
- It always contains an articular disc
- It functions as a ball-and-socket articulation
Correct Answer: It allows sliding movements between flat articular surfaces
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
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