Ch. 7.4 Skeletal System Key Terms
What is Appendicular Skeleton
The part of the skeleton that forms the **extremities** (the arms, legs, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle).
What is diaphysis
The shaft or main, long portion of a long bone.
Areas of unossified membrane ("soft spots") between the cranial bones of an infant.
What is Medullary Canal
The large cavity running through the diaphysis of a long bone; it contains **yellow marrow**.
What is periosteum
The **tough membrane** that covers the outside of bone.
What is Axial Skeleton
The part of the skeleton that forms the **main trunk** of the body, including the cranium (skull), vertebral column (spine), ribs, and sternum (breastbone).
What is endosteum
The membrane that lines the medullary canal of a long bone.
What is foramina
Openings in a bone that allow for the passage of **nerves and blood vessels**.
What is Metacarpals
The five bones that form the **palm of the hand**.
What is the phalanges
The bones of the **fingers and toes**.
What is carpals
The eight small bones that form the wrist.
What is epiphysis
The two ends of a long bone
What is humerus
The long bone in the **upper arm**.
What is Metatarsals
The five bones that form the **instep** of the foot.
What is the radius
The bone in the **forearm** on the thumb side.
What is Clavicles
The two collarbones that connect the sternum and scapulae.
What is femur
The longest and strongest bone in the body, located in the thigh.
What is joints
Areas where **two or more bones join together** (articulate).
What is Os Coxae
The bones of the **pelvic girdle** (hip bones).
What is red marrow
The soft tissue found in certain bone cavities that is responsible for **producing blood cells**.
What is cranium
The bony structure that encloses and protects the brain.
What is the fibula
The slender bone located on the lateral (outer) side of the lower leg.
What is ligaments
Bands of strong, fibrous connective tissue that connect **bone to bone**, supporting a joint.
What is patella
The triangular bone known as the **kneecap**.
What is ribs
The 12 pairs of flat bones that attach to the spine and sternum, forming the **rib cage**.