Ch. 7.4 Skeletal System Key Terms
The part of the skeleton that includes the limbs (arms and legs) and the bones that attach them to the axial skeleton
Appendicular skeleton
The main, long shaft of a long bone
Diaphysis
Soft spots" in an infant's skull where ossification is incomplete; they allow for rapid brain growth.
Fontanels
The hollow space that runs down the center of the diaphysis, containing bone marrow.
Medullary canal
The kneecap; a small, flat, triangular bone
Patella
The central part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column (spine), and rib cage (ribs and sternum
Axial skeleton
A thin membrane that lines the medullary canal of a long bone
Endosteum
A hole or opening in a bone, usually allowing for the passage of blood vessels and nerves.
Foramina
The five long bones that form the palm of the hand.
Metacarpals
A tough, fibrous membrane that covers the outside of a bone (except at joints); essential for bone repair and nourishment
Periosteum
The eight small, irregularly shaped bones that form the wrist
Carpals
The expanded, usually larger, ends of a long bone; where bones articulate (form joints).
Epiphysis
The long bone of the upper arm
Humerus
The five long bones that form the palm of the hand.
Metacarpals
The bones of the fingers and toes
Phalanges
The collarbones; two long, slender bones that connect the sternum to the scapulae
Clavicles
The thigh bone; the longest and strongest bone in the human body
Femur
Places where two or more bones meet; they allow for movement (or provide stability).
Joints
The five long bones that form the arch of the foot
Metatarsals
The lateral (thumb side) bone of the forearm
Radius
The part of the skull that encloses and protects the brain
Cranium
The slender, lateral (outer) bone of the lower leg
Fibula
Strong bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect bone to bone, supporting joints.
Ligaments
The two large bones that form the pelvic girdle (hips)
Os coxae
Bone marrow found in the epiphyses of long bones and in flat bones; responsible for producing blood cells (hematopoiesis)
Red marrow