American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What do joints and articulating surfaces provide?

1. A connection between two or more parts of the skeleton

2. An area for muscle attachment

3. A protective layer for bones

4. A storage area for minerals

The correct answer is: A connection between two or more parts of the skeleton

Joints and articulating surfaces play a critical role in the skeletal system by providing a connection between two or more parts of the skeleton. These structures enable movement and flexibility, allowing for a range of motions that are essential for various physical activities. Each joint serves as a point of articulation where bones come together, and the design of these joints, whether they are ball-and-socket, hinge, or pivot types, influences the degree and type of movement that can occur. The other options represent different functions of the skeletal system but do not directly describe the primary role of joints and articulating surfaces. For example, while some areas where muscles attach do rely on proximity to joints, the purpose of joints themselves is specifically to connect bones. Bones do contain protective layers and can serve as storage sites for minerals, but these functions are distinct from the function of joints as connectors within the skeletal framework.