Anatomy and Physiology: Skeleton Vocab

Practice these terms, learn how to identify the different parts of a skeleton

epiphysis 

rounded end of a long bone 

articular cartilage

smooth surface that covers the epiphysis

diaphysis

the middle shaft of the bone

ossicles

three bones of the middle ear

hyoid bone 

attachment point for the tongue and does not directly articulate with any other bone 

sacrum

made of the five vertebrae that fuse during early adulthood (towards the end of the vertebral column)

coccyx (tailbone)

the remnant of a vertebral tail

Atlas (C1)

first bone in vertebral column; have two large articular that form joints with other bones; wider 

Axis (C2)

second bone in vertebral column; tooth like dens that create a rotation point for that atlas

spinous process

bony projection from the back of a vertebrae

vertebral foramen

central opening in each vertebra that allows spinal cord to pass through

vertebral body

thick, cylinderal, front part of the vertebral

transverse process

small bony projection that extends from either side of each vertebra 

cervical vertebrae

thoracic vertebrae

lumbar vertebrae

fibrous joints

immovable, dense connective tissue, cranial sutures

cartilaginous joints

limited movement, fibro or hyaline cartilage, vertebral discs

synovial joints

free movement, fluid-filled cavity, knee, elbow, and fingers