Anatomical positions and bones of the body

Question 1

Define lateral.

Answer 1

Lateral means away from the midline of the body.

eg. ears are lateral to eyes.

Question 2

Define medial.

Answer 2

Medial means close to the midline of the body.

eg. nose is medial to ears.

Question 3

Define proximal.

Answer 3

Proximal refers to a body part that is close to its attachment point.
eg. elbow is proximal to wrist because it’s closer to shoulder joint.

Question 4

Define distal.

Answer 4

Refers to a body part that that is further away from the point of attachment than another.
eg. the wrist is distal to forearm flexors.

Question 5

Define superior.

Answer 5

Refers to a body part that is closer to the head than another.
eg. shoulder is superior to elbow.

Question 6

Define inferior.

Answer 6

Refers to a body part that is closer to the feet than another part.
eg. knee is inferior to hip.

Question 7

Define anterior.

Answer 7

Refers to the front of the body.

eg. pectorals are anterior to latissimus dorsi.

Question 8

Define posterior.

Answer 8

Refers to the back of the body.

eg. hamstrings are posterior to quadriceps.

Question 9

What is the axial skeleton? (5)

Racing caterpillars swim very fast

Answer 9

Contains bones through the middle of the body.

Cranium, sternum, ribs, vertebral column, facial bones.

Question 10

What is the appendicular skeleton? (5) SPLAC

Answer 10

Consists of the bones that support the appendages.

Arms, legs, pelvis, scapula, clavicle.

Question 11

How is the vertebral column made up?

Answer 11

Cervical vertebrae: first two are atlas and axis, C7
Thoracic vertebrae: T12
Lumbar vertebrae: L5
Sacrum: 5 fused
Coccyx: 4 fused

Question 12

What is the importance of the vertebral column?

Answer 12

95% of the movement we make involves the vertebral column.

Question 13

What are some facts about the skeletal system?

Answer 13

• 206 bones
• bones are capable of growth and repair
• bone growth usually ends after teen years

Question 14

What are the functions of the skeletal system? (5)

Answer 14

• provides framework: solid support, counteracts forces of gravity
• provides movement: attachment site for muscles
• provides protection: protects vital organs eg. ribcage
• production of red blood cell formation: redbloodcells produced marrow of long bones
• mineral storage: bones store minerals eg. Ca, P, Na,K.

Question 15

What are the different types of bones?

Answer 15

• long bones
• short bones
• flat bones
• irregular bones
• sesamoid bones

Question 16

What is a long bone?

Answer 16

A bone that is longer than it is wider. They are hollow shafted and contain marrow.
eg. humerus and femur

Question 17

What is a short bone?

Answer 17

A bone that is roughly the same width as it is length.

eg. carpals and tarsals

Question 18

What is a flat bone?

Answer 18

A bone that has a flat area for muscle attachment. They enclose cavities for protection.
eg. scapula and sternum

Question 19

What is an irregular bone?

Answer 19

A bone that has no regular shape characteristics.

eg. facial bones and vertebrae

Question 20

What is a sesamoid bone?

Answer 20

A bone that is small and have been developed in tendons and surrounds some joints.
eg. patella