Skeletal System Flashcards
Flashcards
Axial skeleton
The part of the skeleton that consists of the bones of the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum; it supports the head, neck, and trunk.
Appendicular skeleton
The part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs (arms and legs) and the girdles (pelvic and shoulder) that attach them to the axial skeleton.
Compact bone
Dense bone tissue that provides strength and structure; it forms the outer layer of bones.
Spongy bone
Lighter, less dense bone tissue found at the ends of long bones and in the interior of others; it contains trabeculae (small rod-like structures) that create a porous structure.
Long bones
Bones that are longer than they are wide, typically found in the limbs (e.g., femur, humerus).
Short bones
Cube-shaped bones that provide stability and support with little movement, found in the wrists and ankles (e.g., carpal bones).
Flat bones
Thin, flattened bones that provide protection and a surface for muscle attachment (e.g., skull, sternum).
Diaphysis
The long, tubular shaft of a long bone, primarily composed of compact bone and containing the medullary cavity.
Irregular bones
Bones that do not fit into other categories due to their complex shapes (e.g., vertebrae, pelvic bones).
Periosteum
A dense layer of vascular connective tissue that covers the outer surface of bones, serving as an attachment for tendons and ligaments.
Epiphyseal line
A remnant of the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) found in adult bones, marking the area where bone growth occurred in youth.
Hematoma
A localized collection of blood outside blood vessels, often forming as a result of injury or trauma, and can occur in bone injuries.
Vertebral column
The series of vertebrae that form the spine, providing structural support and protecting the spinal cord.
Cranium
The portion of the skull that encloses and protects the brain; it consists of several bones fused together.
Occipital bone
The bone that forms the back and base of the skull, containing the foramen magnum through which the spinal cord passes.
Vertebrae
The individual bones that make up the vertebral column; there are 33 vertebrae in total, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions.
Intervertebral discs
Cartilaginous structures located between the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and allow for movement of the spine.
Cervical vertebrae
The seven vertebrae in the neck (C1-C7) that support the skull and allow for head movement.
Thoracic vertebrae
The twelve vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12) that articulate with the ribs.
Lumbar vertebrae
The five vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5) that support much of the body’s weight and allow for flexible movement.
Sacrum
A triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae, which connects to the pelvic girdle.
Coccyx
Also known as the tailbone, it is made up of three to five fused vertebrae and serves as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles.
Sternum
A flat bone located in the center of the chest, connecting to the ribs and providing attachment for pectoral muscles.
Clavicle
Also known as the collarbone, it is a slender bone that connects the arm to the body and helps stabilize the shoulder.
Ribs
Curved bones that form the ribcage, protecting the thoracic cavity and supporting the chest; humans typically have 12 pairs.
Scapulae
Also known as the shoulder blades, these flat bones connect the humerus (upper arm bone) to the clavicle.
Humerus
The long bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.
Radius
One of the two long bones in the forearm, located on the lateral side (thumb side) when in the standard anatomical position.
Ulna
The other long bone in the forearm, located on the medial side (pinky side) when in the standard anatomical position.
Carpal bones
The eight small bones that make up the wrist, allowing for flexibility and movement.
Pelvic girdle
The bony structure at the base of the spine, consisting of the hip bones, that supports the lower limbs.
Femur
The long bone of the thigh, extending from the hip to the knee; it is the longest bone in the human body.
Tibia
The larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg, commonly known as the shinbone, which supports weight and forms the knee joint.
Fibula
The smaller of the two bones in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia, providing stability to the ankle.
