OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Which statement is NOT true of muscles and bones?

1. a. the more stationary attachment of a muscle to a bone is called the insertion

2. b. when a muscle contracts, it pulls a muscle

3. c. muscles are attached to bones by tendons, which are made of elastic connective tissues

4. d. the tendon of a muscle merges with the periosteum that covers the bone

The correct answer is: a. the more stationary attachment of a muscle to a bone is called the insertion

The assertion that the more stationary attachment of a muscle to a bone is called the insertion is not accurate. In anatomical terminology, the insertion is actually the part of the muscle that is attached to the bone that moves when the muscle contracts. The stationary attachment is referred to as the origin. Understanding muscle anatomy is crucial because it informs how muscles interact with bones during movement. The origin is typically located closer to the center of the body or on a more proximal bone, while the insertion moves toward the origin during contraction. The other statements provide correct information about muscles and bones. When a muscle contracts, it indeed pulls on the bone, resulting in movement. Tendons serve as the connecting tissue between muscles and bones and are composed of dense, fibrous connective tissue rather than elastic connective tissue. Lastly, the merging of the tendon with the periosteum ensures that the force generated by the muscle is effectively transferred to the bone.