Skeletal System Key Terms
What is Appendicular Skeleton.
The division of the skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs (arms and legs) and the supporting skeletal girdles (pectoral and pelvic) that attach them to the axial skeleton.
What is the Axial Skeleton
The division of the skeleton that forms the central axis of the body, including the cranium (skull), vertebrae (spinal column), and the ribs and sternum (bony thorax).
What are Carpals
The eight small bones that form the wrist (carpus) and connect the hand to the forearm.
What are Clavicles
The collarbones; two long, slender bones that connect the sternum (breastbone) to the scapulae (shoulder blades).
What is the Cranium
The part of the skull that encloses and protects the brain.
What is the Diaphysis
The main or central shaft (long cylindrical portion) of a long bone.
What is the Endosteum
A thin, vascular membrane that lines the inner surface of the bony tissue forming the medullary canal of a long bone.
What is the Epiphysis
The end portion of a long bone, which is usually broader than the diaphysis and is covered with articular cartilage.
What is the Femur
The long bone of the thigh, and the longest and strongest bone in the human body
What is the Fibula
The thinner, lateral (outside) bone of the two bones of the lower leg, parallel to the tibia.
What is the Fontanels
"Soft spots" in the skull of an infant, which are areas of unossified (unhardened) membrane between the cranial bones.
What is the Foramina
Openings or holes in a bone that allow for the passage of blood vessels and nerves.
What is the Humerus
The long bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.
What are the Joints
Structures in the body where two or more bones articulate (come together).
What are Ligaments
Strong bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect bones to other bones, supporting a joint.
What is the Medullary Canal
The hollow, central cavity of the bone shaft (diaphysis) where yellow marrow is stored.
What are Metacarpals
The five long bones of the hand, connecting the carpals (wrist bones) to the phalanges (finger bones).
What are the Metatarsals
The five long bones of the foot, connecting the tarsals (ankle bones) to the phalanges (toe bones).
What is the Os Coxae
The hip bone, formed by the fusion of the ilium, ischium, and pubis bones; also known as the pelvic bone.
What are the Patella
The kneecap; a small, flat, triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint.
What is Periosteum
tough, fibrous membrane covering the surface of bones (except at joints), which contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves.
What are Phalanges
The bones that make up the fingers and toes (singular: phalanx).
What is the Radius
The bone on the thumb side of the forearm, one of the two bones between the elbow and the wrist.
What is Red Marrow
The soft, spongy material found in the cavities of many bones, responsible for producing red blood cells (hematopoiesis).
What are Ribs, and how many is there.
The 12 pairs of long, curved bones that form the rib cage, protecting the organs in the chest.