Comprehensive Guide to the Anatomy and Function of the Skeletal System and Joints

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the anatomy and function of the skeletal system and joints.

Cervical vertebrae

7 vertebrae in the neck labeled C1–C7, characterized by small size and transverse foramina.

Thoracic vertebrae

12 vertebrae in the upper back labeled T1–T12, each articulating with a pair of ribs and distinguished by facets for rib attachment.

Lumbar vertebrae

5 vertebrae in the lower back labeled L1–L5, large and robust to support weight.

Sacrum

5 fused vertebrae forming a single bone labeled S1–S5, with anterior and posterior sacral foramina.

Coccyx

3–5 fused vertebrae forming the tailbone.

Spinous process

A part of the vertebra that projects posteriorly and is palpable on the back.

Vertebral foramen

Central opening in a vertebra for the spinal cord.

Lordotic curvature

The inward curvature of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.

Kyphotic curvature

The outward curvature of the thoracic and sacral regions of the spine.

True ribs

Ribs 1–7 that attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilage.

False ribs

Ribs 8–12 that attach indirectly via the cartilage of superior ribs or not at all.

Sternum

Also known as the breastbone, composed of manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Clavicle

Also known as the collarbone, acts as a strut to stabilize the shoulder girdle.

Scapula

Shoulder blade, with key features including the glenoid cavity for shoulder joint articulation.

Humerus

The upper arm bone, articulating with the scapula at the shoulder and the ulna and radius at the elbow.

Ulna

The inner bone of the forearm, forming the elbow joint.

Radius

The outer bone of the forearm, articulating with the elbow and wrist.

Pelvic bones

Includes the ilium, ischium, and pubis, forming the hip area.

Femur

The thigh bone, articulating with the acetabulum of the pelvis.

Tibia

The larger bone of the lower leg, forming the knee joint with the femur.

Fibula

The smaller bone of the lower leg, running parallel to the tibia.

Sesamoid bones

Bones embedded in tendons, such as the patella (kneecap).

Synarthrosis

Immovable joints, such as the sutures of the skull.

Diarthrosis

Freely movable joints, such as the shoulder and knee.

Fibrous joints

Joints connected by dense connective tissue, e.g., sutures.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints connected by cartilage, allowing for slight movement.

Synovial joints

Highly mobile joints characterized by a joint cavity and synovial fluid.

Wolff’s Law

Bone tissue adapts to mechanical stresses placed upon it; increased stress stimulates bone formation.

Inflammation

A biological response to injury or infection characterized by redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function.