American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Academy of Professional Coders exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your coding skills and knowledge. Ideal for aspiring medical coders looking to succeed in the certification process.

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What is the defining feature of short bones?

Longer than they are wide
Roughly cube-shaped
Formed within tendons
Consist of multiple layers

The correct answer is: Roughly cube-shaped

The defining feature of short bones is that they are roughly cube-shaped. This characteristic distinguishes them from other types of bones, such as long bones, which are longer than they are wide, and flat bones, which have a flat shape and are often broad. Examples of short bones include those found in the wrists, such as the carpals, and the bones of the ankles, or tarsals. Short bones primarily help with stability and support while allowing for a certain range of motion. Their cubic shape contributes to their ability to bear weight and reduce the risk of fatigue compared to other bone types. The context provided by the other options—bones formed within tendons (which describes sesamoid bones) and layered bones (more descriptive of compact and spongy bone structures)—further clarifies that the attribute of being roughly cube-shaped is specific and unique to short bones.