The Axial Skeleton Flashcards
What is the axial skeleton?
The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
Example sentence: The axial skeleton provides structural support for the head and trunk.
What is the function of the axial skeleton?
Supports the head, neck, and trunk; protects the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs.
Additional information: The axial skeleton plays a crucial role in maintaining posture and protecting vital organs.
What parts make up the axial skeleton?
Skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
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In some individuals, what is the incomplete supra-orbital foramen called?
Supra-orbital notch.
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The olfactory foramina are found in which bones?
Ethmoid bone.
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What is the supra-orbital margin, and what is its purpose?
The bony ridge above the eye sockets; provides protection for the eyes.
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Which portion of the temporal bone houses the structures of the internal ear?
Petrous part of the temporal bone.
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Which paired bones form the lateral and posterior portions of the cranium?
Parietal bones.
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What are the cranial bones?
Frontal, parietal (2), temporal (2), occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid.
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What is the definition of a sinus?
A cavity or hollow space within a bone, often filled with air.
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What is the function of the nasal conchae?
To warm and humidify air as it passes through the nasal cavity.
Example sentence: The nasal conchae help to moisten and heat the air we breathe in.
What forms the bony portion of the nasal septum?
Vomer and perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone.
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Is the vomer considered a paired or unpaired bone?
Unpaired bone.
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How many bones are contained in the skull?
22 bones.
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What is the function of the alveolar processes of the mandible?
To support the teeth.
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What are the smallest facial bones?
The lacrimal bones.
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Where does the hyoid bone attach? Is it linked to anything? What is it superior to? Does it directly articulate with other bones?
It is linked by ligaments and muscles; it is superior to the thyroid cartilage; it does not directly articulate with any other bone.
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Which sense would damage to the temporal bone most likely affect?
Hearing.
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What would premature closure of the sagittal suture result in?
Scaphocephaly (long, narrow head).
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When and how does a cleft palate form?
During embryonic development when the palatine processes fail to fuse.
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Nerves carrying sensory information from the lips and chin pass through the?
Mental foramen.
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What is the paranasal sinus?
Air-filled spaces in the bones surrounding the nasal cavity.
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What is sinus inflammation called?
Sinusitis.
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How many and which bones make up the orbital complex?
7 bones: frontal, sphenoid, zygomatic, maxilla, palatine, lacrimal, and ethmoid.
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Which bones make up the nasal complex?
Nasal bones, maxillae, palatine bones, vomer, and ethmoid.
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What is the role of the sinuses?
To lighten the skull, humidify and warm inhaled air, and enhance voice resonance.
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What are the functions of the paranasal sinuses?
Lighten the skull, produce mucus, and improve resonance.
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What forms the floor of the orbital complex?
Maxilla and palatine bones.
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Which bone houses the largest sinus?
Maxilla.
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What is a deviated septum?
A condition where the nasal septum is displaced to one side, causing breathing difficulties.
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Sutures can be found at all joints of the adult skull except between?
The mandible and the temporal bone (temporomandibular joint).
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What is craniostenosis?
Premature fusion of skull sutures leading to abnormal head shape.
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What is microcephaly?
A condition where a baby’s head is significantly smaller than expected, often due to abnormal brain development.
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What are fontanelles?
Soft spots on an infant’s skull where bones have not yet fused.
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Which two fontanelles form along the sagittal suture?
Anterior fontanelle and posterior fontanelle.
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When does the most significant skull growth occur?
During infancy and early childhood.
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What is scoliosis?
A sideways curvature of the spine.
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What are the four spinal curves?
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral curves.
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What is the function of the primary spinal curves?
To accommodate the thoracic and abdominal organs and provide balance.
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Which of the secondary curves do not appear until several months after birth?
Cervical and lumbar curves.
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What is the purpose of the secondary curves?
To distribute weight and enhance balance and posture.
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What are the five vertebral regions?
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions.
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What is the first cervical vertebra called?
Atlas.
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What is the second cervical vertebra called?
Axis.
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Which vertebrae allow for a wide range of head movements?
Atlas and axis (C1 and C2).
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How many thoracic vertebrae are contained in the vertebral column?
12 thoracic vertebrae.
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How is the vertebral arch formed?
By the fusion of the pedicles and laminae.
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What part of the vertebrae transfers weight along the axis of the vertebral column?
The vertebral body.
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Most mammals, including humans and giraffes, have how many cervical vertebrae?
7 cervical vertebrae.
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Which regions of the vertebrae are fused in the adult?
Sacral and coccygeal regions.
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In which region can you find the widest intervertebral discs?
Lumbar region.
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Where is the dens process found?
On the axis (C2 vertebra).
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The sacrum consists of how many fused bones?
5 fused sacral vertebrae.
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The ability to nod “yes”
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How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7 cervical vertebrae.
Example sentence: The cervical vertebrae are located in the neck region.
Which regions of the vertebrae are fused in the adult?
Sacral and coccygeal regions.
Example sentence: The sacral and coccygeal regions fuse to form the sacrum and coccyx, respectively.
Where can you find the widest intervertebral discs?
Lumbar region.
Example sentence: The lumbar region is known for its larger intervertebral discs compared to other regions.
Where is the dens process found?
On the axis (C2 vertebra).
Example sentence: The dens process is a unique feature of the C2 vertebra.
How many fused bones make up the sacrum?
5 fused sacral vertebrae.
Example sentence: The sacrum is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae.
