Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

How do bones protect vital organs?

1. By creating a rigid structure

2. By forming a barrier around organs

3. By producing insulation

4. By facilitating movement

The correct answer is: By forming a barrier around organs

Bones protect vital organs primarily by forming a barrier around them. This structural function is crucial for safeguarding delicate internal organs from external impacts and injuries. For instance, the rib cage encases the heart and lungs, providing a hard protective layer that absorbs any potential trauma. Similarly, the skull protects the brain from external forces. While the idea of creating a rigid structure may seem relevant, the more direct role in organ protection is the formation of a barrier, as it specifically highlights how bones serve to shield organs from harm. The processes related to insulation and facilitating movement do not pertain directly to the protective functions of bones in relation to vital organs. Insulation is more relevant to soft tissue while movement is primarily associated with the joints in conjunction with muscles, rather than the protective aspect of bone structure. Thus, the concept of forming a barrier encompasses the protective role that bones play more accurately.