axial skeleton Flashcards
what are the functions of the skull?
protects the brain and guards the entry points to the digestive and respiratory systems
which facial bone gives us the upper jaw?
maxilla
which facial bone gives us the lower jaw?
mandible
which facial bone gives us the cheekbones?
zygomatic bone
why do many bones in the skull stay separate from each other until after birth?
to allow the head to pass through the birth canal
where is the foramen magnum located and what is its function?
inferior to the cranium; a space for the spinal cord to pass through
what are the functions of the vertebral column?
protection for the spinal cord and weight distribution to the lower extremities
list the different sections of the vertebral column from superior to inferior
cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, coccyx
how many vertebrae are found in the cervical vertebrae?
7
how many vertebrae are found in the thoracic vertebrae?
12
how many vertebrae are found in the lumbar vertebrae?
5
how many vertebrae are found in the sacrum?
5 fused into 1
how many vertebrae are found in the coccyx?
3 fused into 1
why do the vertebral foramen decrease in size as we move inferiorly on the vertebral column?
spinal cord gets smaller as we move inferiorly, and since the foramen houses the spinal cord, it also decreases in size
why do the bodies of the vertebrae increase in size as we move inferiorly on the vertebrae column?
the lower on the body the vertebrae are located, the more weight it needs to carry, so the longer it will be
what is the purpose of the natural curvature of the spine?
to help the body distribute weight to the lower extremities
what causes kyphosis?
over-curvature of the thoracic spine
what causes lordosis?
over-curvature of the lumbar spine
what causes scoliosis?
lateral curvature of the spine
what is the function of the spinous and transverse processes on vertebrae?
attachment points for muscles (except transverse processes are for ribs in the thoracic region)
what is the importance of the intervertebral discs?
shock absorption
what are the functions of the ribcage?
protects the organs in the thoracic cavity and takes part in breathing
from most superior to inferior, list the 3 parts of the sternum
manubrium, body, and xiphoid process
what is the function of the manubrium?
connects the axial skeleton to the upper extremities of appendicular skeleton
what is the function of the body (in the sternum)?
articulates with the ribs
what is the difference between true ribs and false ribs?
true ribs: attach to the sternum and the thoracic vertebrae
false ribs: don’t attach directly to the sternum
which pairs of ribs are true ribs?
pairs 1-7
which pairs of ribs are false ribs?
pairs 8-12
which of the false ribs are floating ribs?
pairs 11-12
why are floating ribs called floating ribs?
don’t reach the anterior side of the body
what part of the vertebral column do ribs articulate with?
thoracic
where on the vertebrae will the ribs articulate?
transverse processes
