Skeletal System Basics
The framework that supports, protects, stores minerals, and produces blood cells.
What is the skeletal system?
Bones longer than they are wide, like the femur and humerus.
long bones
The smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones and reduces friction.
hyaline cartilage?
The three types of muscle tissue in the human body.
skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle
The large chest muscle that flexes and adducts the arm.
pectoralis major
Bone cells that build new bone tissue
osteoblasts?
Cube-shaped bones found in the wrist and ankle.
short bones
The cartilage that provides flexibility in the ear and epiglottis.
elastic cartilage?
The connective tissue wrapping around an entire muscle.
epimysium
The “smiling muscle” that raises the corners of the mouth
zygomaticus
Mature bone cells that maintain bone structure.
osteocytes?
Flat, thin bones that protect organs, such as the skull and ribs.
flat bones
The tough cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the spine and pelvis.
fibrocartilage?
The connective tissue around a bundle (fascicle) of muscle fibers.
perimysium
The two-headed muscle on the upper arm that flexes the elbow.
biceps brachii
Bone cells that break down bone and release calcium.
osteoclasts?
Bones with complex shapes, like vertebrae and pelvis.
irregular bones?
The type of joint that allows free movement and includes hinge and ball-and-socket types.
synovial joints?
The connective tissue surrounding individual muscle fibers.
endomysium
The muscle group that acts to extend the knee.
quadriceps
The two main divisions of the skeletal system.
axial and appendicular skeletons
The process by which bones grow in length at the epiphyseal plate.
bone lengthening (growth)
Raised or indented bone features that serve as attachment sites or passageways.
bone markings
The smallest contractile unit of muscle, responsible for striations and contraction.
sarcomere
The calf muscle known as the “toe dancer’s muscle,” used in plantar flexion.
gastrocnemius?