Ch. 7.4 Skeletal System Key Terms
Carpals
The eight bones of the wrist.
Cranium
The spherical structure that surrounds and protects the brain; made of eight bones.
Femur
The thigh bone; the upper leg bone.
Joints
Areas where two or more bones join together.
Ribs
The 12 pairs of bones that attach to the thoracic vertebrae; divided into true, false, and floating ribs.
Patella
The kneecap.
Ligaments
Connective tissue bands that help hold long bones together at joints.
Vertebrae
The 26 bones that compose the spinal column, which protect the spinal cord and provide support for the head and trunk.
Tibia
The larger, weight-bearing bone of the lower leg.
Sutures
Areas where the cranial bones have joined together
Sinuses
Air spaces in the bones of the skull that act as resonating chambers for the voice and are lined with mucous membranes.
Metacarpals
The five bones of the palm of the hand.
Epiphysis
The two extremities, or ends, of a long bone.
Endosteum
A membrane that lines the medullary canal and keeps the yellow marrow intact; also produces some bone growth
Tarsals
The seven bones of the ankle
Appendicular Skeleton
The section of the skeleton that forms the extremities; composed of the shoulder girdle, arm bones, pelvic girdle, and leg bones.
Foramina
Openings in bones that allow nerves and blood vessels to enter or leave the bone.
Red Marrow
Found in certain bones on the site of hematopoiesis, where red and white blood cells and platelets are produced.
Phalanges
The bones of the fingers and toes
Clavicles
The two collarbones that are attached to the manubrium.
Os Coxae
The two coxal, or hip, bones that form the pelvic girdle.
Medullary Canal
A cavity in the diaphysis of a long bone; it is filled with yellow marrow.
Metatarsals
The five bones of the instep of the foot.
Axial Skeleton
The section of the skeleton that forms the main trunk of the body; composed of the skull, spinal column, ribs, and breastbone.
Yellow Marrow
Material filling the medullary canal; it is mainly a storage area for fat cells and contains cells that form white blood cells.