Ch. 7.4 Skeletal System Key Terms
what is appendicular skeleton
Forms the extremities (limbs) and includes the shoulder girdle, arm bones, pelvic girdle, and leg bones.
what is axial skeleton
Forms the main trunk of the body, including the skull, spinal column, ribs, and breastbone.
what is carpals
The eight bones of the wrist.
what are clavicles
The two collarbones, attached to the sternum.
what is the cranium
The spherical structure that surrounds and protects the brain.
what is diaphysis
The long shaft of a long bone.
what is endosteum
A membrane that lines the medullary canal, keeps the yellow marrow intact, and produces some bone growth.
what is epiphysis
The two extremities, or ends, of a long bone.
what is the femur
The upper leg bone (thigh bone).
what is the fibula
The slender smaller bone of the lower leg that attaches to the proximal end of the tibia.
what are fontanels
Spaces in the cranium at birth, also called "soft spots," that allow for skull enlargement as the brain grows.
what is foramina
Openings in bones that allow nerves and blood vessels to enter or leave the bone.
what is humerus
The bone of the upper arm.
what are joints
Locations where bones meet and are held together by ligaments.
what are ligaments
Connective tissue bands that help hold long bones together at joints.
what is medullary canal
A cavity in the diaphysis of a long bone.
what are metacarpals
the five bones that form the palm of the hand.
what are metatarsals
The five bones that form the instep of the foot.
what is os coxae
The coxal, or hip, bones, which form the pelvic girdle.
what is the patella
the knee cap
what is the periosteum
A tough membrane covering the outside of the bone necessary for bone growth, repair, and nutrition.
what are phalanges
The bones that form the fingers and toes.
what is the radius
The bone of the lower arm on the thumb side that rotates around the ulna.
what is the red marrow
Found in certain bones where hematopoiesis (blood cell formation) takes place, producing blood cells.
what are the ribs
The 12 pairs of bones that attach to the thoracic vertebrae.