National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Wormian bones, also known as accessory bones, are extra bone pieces that can occur within the sutures of the skull. Their presence is commonly associated with certain conditions, particularly osteogenesis imperfecta. This condition, often referred to as "brittle bone disease," is characterized by defects in collagen formation, leading to fragility of the bones. In osteogenesis imperfecta, the underlying collagen defects can result in several skeletal abnormalities, including the formation of Wormian bones. These additional bones can accumulate along the sutures due to the altered bone metabolism and structural integrity seen in this disease. In contrast to other conditions listed, such as achondroplasia, Marfan syndrome, and spina bifida, the association between Wormian bones and osteogenesis imperfecta is well-documented, making this the correct choice. While other conditions may have their own unique skeletal manifestations, they do not typically present with Wormian bones to the extent seen in osteogenesis imperfecta. Understanding the specific skeletal features associated with different conditions is crucial for diagnosis and management in a clinical setting.