Intro to Skeletal System

Question 1

What are the components of the skeletal system?

Answer 1

• bones
• cartilages
• joints
• associated structures

Question 2

What are the main functions of the skeletal system? (4)

Answer 2

• supports and protects other organs, such as heart and brain
• serves as attachment site for skeletal muscles
• stores minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus
• produces different blood cell lineages (only in red bone marrow)

Question 3

What are the 5 different types of bones?

Answer 3

• long
• short
• flat
• irregular
• sesamoid

Question 4

long bones

Answer 4

consist of long cylindrical body or shaft (diaphysis) and two distinct ends (epiphysis)

ie. bones of arm, forearm, thigh, leg, etc.

Question 5

short bones

Answer 5

usually cuboidal in appearance

ie. wrist bones, ankle bones

Question 6

flat bones

Answer 6

thin and flattened, with mild curve

ie. ribs, some skull bones, scapula, and sternum

Question 7

irregular bones

Answer 7

lack any specific shape

ie. vertebrae, facial bones

Question 8

sesamoid bones

Answer 8

(shaped like sesame seed) small round or flat bones partially embedded in tendon of some muscles – bones reduce friction between tendons and joint, or change direction of pull exerted by muscles

ie. patella (kneecap) is largest sesamoid bone

Question 9

What is the axial skeleton?

Answer 9

forms the skeleton of the axis of the body

skull, middle ear ossicles, vertebral column, hyoid bone, ribs, and sternum

Question 10

What is the appendicular skeleton?

Answer 10

forms the skeleton of the limbs and is appended to the axial skeleton by:

• shoulder/pectoral girdle (consists of clavicle and scapula)
• pelvic girdle (formed by right and left hip bones)

Question 11

What does the upper limb skeleton consist of?

Answer 11

humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges

Question 12

What does the lower limb skeleton consist of?

Answer 12

femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, phalanges