Axial vs Appendicular
The central part of the skeleton, consisting of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.
Axial Skeleton
The shaft or long, central part of a long bone.
Diaphysis
The two long, slender bones, also known as the collarbones, that connect the sternum to the scapulas.
Clavicles
The thigh bone; the longest and strongest bone in the body.
Femur
Strong bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect bone to bone, supporting the joints.
Ligaments
The body system composed of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and joints, providing support, protection, and movement.
Skeletal System
The hollow central cavity within the diaphysis of a long bone, where bone marrow is stored.
Medullary Canal
The two large, flat, triangular bones on the back of the rib cage, commonly called the shoulder blades.
Scapulas
The seven bones that make up the ankle.
Tarsals
Points of articulation where two or more bones meet; also called articulations.
Joints
The part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.
Appendicular Skeleton
A dense, fibrous membrane that covers the outer surface of a bone, except at the joint surfaces.
Periosteum
The lateral (thumb-side) bone of the forearm.
Radius
The five long bones that form the arch of the foot.
Metatarsals
The eight small, short bones that make up the wrist.
Carpals
The 12 pairs of long, curved bones that form the thoracic cage.
Ribs
The expanded ends of a long bone, which are typically covered with articular cartilage to form a joint.
Epiphysis
The five long bones that form the palm of the hand.
Metacarpals
The small, flat, triangular bone located in front of the knee joint; the kneecap.
Patella
Immovable joints that connect the bones of the skull.
Sutures
The collective bones that form the upper part of the skull, which encloses and protects the brain.
Cranium
Connective tissue found in the spongy bone that is responsible for producing blood cells (hematopoiesis).
Red Marrow
The bones that make up the fingers and toes.
Phalanges
The two large hip bones (or coxal bones) that form the pelvic girdle.
Os Coxae
Openings or holes in a bone that serve as passageways for nerves or blood vessels.
Foramina