Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the main function of the femur in the human body?

1. To protect internal organs

2. To facilitate blood circulation

3. To serve as a bone in the human thigh

4. To aid in respiration

The correct answer is: To serve as a bone in the human thigh

The femur, commonly known as the thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, and its primary function is to serve as a structural component in the thigh. This bone connects the hip joint to the knee joint, providing support for the body's weight during various activities such as standing, walking, and running. Additionally, the femur plays a vital role in enabling movement and maintaining stability throughout the lower limb. Its structural integrity is crucial for efficient locomotion and load-bearing activities. The other options identify functions that do not pertain to the femur. While the protection of internal organs is typically a function associated with the rib cage and skull, blood circulation and respiration involve other systems and organs in the body, such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Therefore, option C accurately describes the main function of the femur as a bone located in the thigh, emphasizing its importance in human anatomy and movement.