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Ch. 5 The Skeletal System
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb 13th EditionCh. 5 The Skeletal SystemProblem 9
Chapter 5, Problem 9

Which bone of the arm corresponds to the femur of the leg?
a. Ulna
b. Humerus
c. Radius
d. Tibia
e. Fibula

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking which bone in the arm corresponds to the femur in the leg. The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the leg, located in the thigh, and serves as the primary bone for muscle attachment and weight-bearing. We need to identify the arm bone that has a similar function and anatomical position.
Review the anatomy of the arm: The arm contains three main bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius (forearm bone on the thumb side), and the ulna (forearm bone on the pinky side). The humerus is the largest and strongest bone in the arm, connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
Compare the femur and humerus: Both the femur and humerus are long bones that serve as the primary structural support for their respective limbs. They articulate with other bones to form joints (the femur with the pelvis and tibia, and the humerus with the scapula and radius/ulna). Additionally, both bones are sites for muscle attachment and play a role in movement.
Eliminate incorrect options: The ulna and radius are forearm bones and do not correspond to the femur in terms of size, function, or anatomical position. Similarly, the tibia and fibula are bones of the lower leg and are not part of the arm.
Conclude the correct answer: Based on the comparison, the humerus is the arm bone that corresponds to the femur of the leg due to its size, function, and anatomical position.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Homologous Structures

Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, even if they serve different functions. In this context, the femur in the leg and the humerus in the arm are homologous, as they are both long bones that support limb structure and movement.
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Bone Classification

Bones are classified into several categories based on their shape and function, including long, short, flat, and irregular bones. The femur and humerus are both classified as long bones, characterized by a greater length than width, which allows for leverage and movement in limbs.
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Anatomical Position

The anatomical position is a standardized way of observing or imaging the body that allows for clear communication of anatomical structures. In this position, the body is standing upright, facing forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward, which helps in understanding the relationship between different bones in the arm and leg.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Match the types of joints to the descriptions that apply to them. (More than one description might apply.)

a. Fibrous joints

b. Cartilaginous joints

c. Synovial joints

1. Have no joint cavity

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Textbook Question

Match the types of joints to the descriptions that apply to them.

a. Fibrous joints

b. Cartilaginous joints

c. Synovial joints

2. Types are sutures and syndesmoses

Textbook Question

At what stage of life do the lower limbs attain the same height as the head and trunk?

a. At birth

b. By 10 years of age

c. At puberty

d. When the epiphyseal plates fuse

e. Never

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Textbook Question

Which parts of the thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following bones or bone parts articulate with the femur?

a. Ischial tuberosity

b. Pubis

c. Patella

d. Fibula

e. Tibia

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Textbook Question

Which humeral process articulates with the radius?

a. Trochlea

b. Greater tubercle

c. Lesser tubercle

d. Capitulum

e. Olecranon fossa