The Skeletal System: Skull, Vertebral Column, and Thoracic Cage

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Chapter 5 Skeletal System anatomy, including the bones, markings, and sutures of the skull, paranasal sinuses, regions and features of the vertebral column, and the thoracic cage.

True ribs

Ribs that attach posteriorly to the thoracic vertebrae and connect anteriorly directly to the sternum.

False ribs

Ribs that connect posteriorly to the thoracic vertebrae and attach anteriorly to the sternum either indirectly or lack an anterior sternal attachment.

Thoracic cage

The skeletal framework of the chest, described in general shape as a cylinder, formed by thoracic vertebrae posteriorly, ribs laterally, and the sternum anteriorly.

Sternum

The anterior breastbone of the thoracic cage, consisting of three subdivisions: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Manubrium

The superior subdivision of the sternum that articulates with the costal cartilages of the first ribs.

Xiphoid process

The small, inferior subdivision and lower terminus of the sternum.

Costal cartilages

Bars of hyaline cartilage that connect the ribs anteriorly to the sternum.

Cervical region

The most superior region of the vertebral column, encompassing vertebrae C1 through C7.

Thoracic region

The region of the vertebral column located between the cervical and lumbar regions that articulates with the ribs.

Lumbar region

The lower back region of the vertebral column situated between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum.

Sacrum

The vertebral column region located inferior to the lumbar vertebrae and superior to the coccyx.

Coccyx

The tailbone region positioned at the inferior terminus of the vertebral column.

Atlas

The modified first cervical vertebra (C1) lacking a typical vertebral body, articulating directly with the occipital condyles of the skull.

Axis

The modified second cervical vertebra (C2) situated directly below the atlas that acts as a pivot for skull rotation.

Vertebral body

The anterior, rounded, weight-bearing segment of a typical vertebra.

Vertebral foramen

The central opening enclosed by the vertebral arch and body through which the spinal cord passes.

Spinous process

The single posterior projection extending from the junction of the laminae on the vertebral arch.

Transverse process

A lateral bony projection extending outward from each side of the vertebral arch.

Superior articular facet

The flattened joint surface located on the superior articular process that articulates with an adjacent vertebra above.

Sinuses

Hollow, air-filled cavities within skull bones that lighten the skull and amplify sounds while speaking.

Frontal sinus

A paranasal air cavity located within the frontal bone superior to the orbits.

Ethmoid sinuses

A collection of small paranasal air cells located within the ethmoid bone between the orbits.

Sphenoid sinus

A paranasal air cavity located deeply within the central body of the sphenoid bone.

Maxillary sinus

The large paranasal air cavity situated within the maxilla bone lateral to the nasal cavity.

Foramen magnum

A large opening in the base of the occipital bone that allows passage of the spinal cord to connect with the brain.

Occipital condyle

Rounded rocker-like projections flanking the foramen magnum on the occipital bone that articulate with the atlas.

Carotid canal

A canal piercing the inferior surface of the temporal bone that transmits the internal carotid artery.

Jugular foramen

A large opening at the junction of the temporal and occipital bones allowing passage of the internal jugular vein and cranial nerves.

External acoustic meatus

The canal entering the temporal bone that leads toward the eardrum and middle ear.

Styloid process

A needle-like bony projection extending inferiorly from the temporal bone for muscle and ligament attachment.

Zygomatic arch

The bridge of bone formed by the projection of the temporal bone connecting with the zygomatic bone.

Alveolar process

The inferior border of the maxilla and superior border of the mandible that bears the sockets for the teeth.

Coronal suture

The transverse cranial joint where the parietal bones meet the frontal bone anteriorly.

Sagittal suture

The superior midline joint where the right and left parietal bones articulate with one another.

Lambdoid suture

The posterior cranial joint where the parietal bones articulate with the occipital bone.

Squamous suture

The cranial joint where each parietal bone articulates laterally with the adjacent temporal bone.