Structure and function of human skeleton

Question 1

What are the axial main bones?

Answer 1

Cranium, mandibles, vertebrae, ribs, sternum

Question 2

What are the appendicular main bones?

Answer 2

Forelimb: Humerus, radius (top) and ulna (bottom)
Hindlimb: Femur, tibia (front), fibula (back), patella
Pectoral girdle: Scapula, clavicle

Question 3

What are the functions of the skeleton?

Answer 3

Support, protection, movement, blood cell production, calcium store, muscle attachment

Question 4

What is the main vertebral body called?

Answer 4

Centrum

Question 5

What is the vertebrae bone that points out your back?

Answer 5

Spinous process

Question 6

What are the vertebrae bones that point sideways?

Answer 6

Transverse process

Question 7

What is the large gap in the vertebrae?

Answer 7

Foramen

Question 8

What is the top part of the spine called (nearest the head)?

Answer 8

Cervical curvature. C1-C7. Smallest and greatest range of movement

Question 9

What is the middle of the spine called?

Answer 9

Thoracic curvature. T1-T12. Less mobile as attached ribs restrict movement

Question 10

What is the lowest part of the spine called (nearest coccyx)?

Answer 10

Lumbar curvature. L1-L5. Biggest and strongest. Major role in weight bearing, absorb high compression loads.

Question 11

What is inbetween the vertebrae?

Answer 11

Intervertebral disk

Question 12

What are the functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 12

Support head
Enclose and protect spinal cord
Transmit weight from body to leg
Attachment points for ribs and muscles of the back

Question 13

What are the main features of cervical vertebrae?

Answer 13

Wide foramen. Longer spinous process and shorter transverse process. Vertebral canal is wider because spinal nerve is largest here

Question 14

What are the main features of thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 14

4 facets. Articulate with ribs and with other vertebrae so have several facets for articulation

Question 15

What are the main features of lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 15

Support body and absorb stress from lifting and carrying. More processes for muscle attachment. Have a large body, a thick centrum and a smaller vertebral canal. Wide transverse processes

Question 16

What are the three different types of fractures?

Answer 16

Compound
Comminuted
Displaced

Question 17

What are compound fractures?

Answer 17

Open fractures - bone penetrates skin

Question 18

What are comminuted fractures?

Answer 18

Not a clean break, multiple breaks to a single bone

Question 19

What are displaced fractures?

Answer 19

Bones no longer line up - distorted alignment

Question 20

What is a simple non-displaced fracture?

Answer 20

Bone only has one break, but remains in normal alignment

Question 21

When would fractures occur?

Answer 21

If a force is applied that exceeds the bone strength

Question 22

What are the four ways to treat fractures?

Answer 22

Pain and inflammation relief (ibuprofen)
Realignment of bones
Immobilisation
Surgery

Question 23

Why would pain and inflammation relief be used to treat fractures?

Answer 23

The periosteum has many pain receptors. Inflammation prevents effect immobilisation there needs to be reduced

Question 24

Why would realigning the bones be an effective treatment of fractures?

Answer 24

So it heals into original shape

Question 25

Why would immobilisation be an effective treatment of fractures?

Answer 25

Uses a cast or splint. Means osteoblasts have time to deposit bone and re-join ends. Osteoclasts break down and digest bone fragments and remodel ends

Question 26

Why would surgery (inserting plates and screws) be an effective treatment of physiotherapy?

Answer 26

Speeds up repair process and allows normal movement to occur sooner (hip)

Question 27

What complications may occur if repair is not rapid?

Answer 27

Muscle wasting, pressure sores, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), embolism, infection