Structure and function of human skeleton Flashcards
What are the axial main bones?
Cranium, mandibles, vertebrae, ribs, sternum
What are the appendicular main bones?
Forelimb: Humerus, radius (top) and ulna (bottom)
Hindlimb: Femur, tibia (front), fibula (back), patella
Pectoral girdle: Scapula, clavicle
What are the functions of the skeleton?
Support, protection, movement, blood cell production, calcium store, muscle attachment
What is the main vertebral body called?
Centrum
What is the vertebrae bone that points out your back?
Spinous process
What are the vertebrae bones that point sideways?
Transverse process
What is the large gap in the vertebrae?
Foramen
What is the top part of the spine called (nearest the head)?
Cervical curvature. C1-C7. Smallest and greatest range of movement
What is the middle of the spine called?
Thoracic curvature. T1-T12. Less mobile as attached ribs restrict movement
What is the lowest part of the spine called (nearest coccyx)?
Lumbar curvature. L1-L5. Biggest and strongest. Major role in weight bearing, absorb high compression loads.
What is inbetween the vertebrae?
Intervertebral disk
What are the functions of the vertebral column?
Support head
Enclose and protect spinal cord
Transmit weight from body to leg
Attachment points for ribs and muscles of the back
What are the main features of cervical vertebrae?
Wide foramen. Longer spinous process and shorter transverse process. Vertebral canal is wider because spinal nerve is largest here
What are the main features of thoracic vertebrae?
4 facets. Articulate with ribs and with other vertebrae so have several facets for articulation
What are the main features of lumbar vertebrae?
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
What are the three different types of fractures?
Compound
Comminuted
Displaced
What are compound fractures?
Open fractures - bone penetrates skin
What are comminuted fractures?
Not a clean break, multiple breaks to a single bone
What are displaced fractures?
Bones no longer line up - distorted alignment
What is a simple non-displaced fracture?
Bone only has one break, but remains in normal alignment
When would fractures occur?
If a force is applied that exceeds the bone strength
What are the four ways to treat fractures?
Pain and inflammation relief (ibuprofen)
Realignment of bones
Immobilisation
Surgery
Why would pain and inflammation relief be used to treat fractures?
The periosteum has many pain receptors. Inflammation prevents effect immobilisation there needs to be reduced
Why would realigning the bones be an effective treatment of fractures?
So it heals into original shape
Why would immobilisation be an effective treatment of fractures?
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
Why would surgery (inserting plates and screws) be an effective treatment of physiotherapy?
Speeds up repair process and allows normal movement to occur sooner (hip)
What complications may occur if repair is not rapid?
Muscle wasting, pressure sores, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), embolism, infection
