Ch. 7.4 Skeletal System Key Terms
Appendicular skeleton-
Forms the extremities and is composed of the shoulder girdle, arm bones, pelvic girdle, and leg bones.
.Axial skeleton-
Forms the main trunk of the body and is composed of the skull, spinal column, ribs, and breastbone.
Carpals-
The eight bones that make up the wrist.
Clavicles-
The two collarbones (part of the shoulder girdle).
Cranium-
The spherical structure that surrounds and protects the brain.
Diaphysis-
The long shaft of a long bone.
.Endosteum-
A membrane that lines the medullary canal and keeps the yellow marrow intact. It also produces some bone growth.
Epiphysis-
The two extremities, or ends, of a long bone.
Femur-
The upper leg bone (or thigh bone).
Fibula-
The slender smaller bone of the lower leg that attaches to the proximal end of the tibia.
.Fontanels-
Spaces in the cranium at birth, also called "soft spots," that allow for the enlargement of the skull as brain growth occurs.
Foramina-
Openings in bones that allow nerves and blood vessels to enter or leave the bone.
Humerus-
The bone of the upper arm.
Joints-
Areas where two or more bones join together.
Ligaments-
Connective tissue bands that help hold long bones together at joints.
Medullary canal-
A cavity in the diaphysis (long shaft of a bone).
Metacarpals-
The five bones that make up the palm of the hand.
Metatarsals-
The five bones that make up the instep of the foot.
Os coxae-
The two coxal, or hip, bones (part of the pelvic girdle).
Patella-
The kneecap.
Periosteum -
A tough membrane that covers the outside of bone, which contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, and osteoblasts, and is necessary for bone growth, repair, and nutrition.
Phalanges-
The bones of the fingers and toes (14 in each hand/foot).
Radius-
The lower arm bone on the thumb side that rotates around the ulna to allow the hand to turn freely.
.Red marrow-
Found in certain bones (vertebrae, ribs, sternum, cranium, and proximal ends of the humerus and femur) where hematopoiesis (formation of all blood cells) takes place.
Ribs-
The 12 pairs of bones that attach to the thoracic vertebrae and, with the sternum, form a "cage" protecting the heart and lungs