Anatomy & Physiology Unit Review on Skeletal System and Axial Skeleton

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the skeletal system and axial skeleton from the Anatomy & Physiology unit.

What is compact bone?

The external layer of bone.

What is the epiphysis of a bone?

The bulbous end of the bone.

What does the epiphyseal line mark?

It marks where growth has stopped (end of bone growth).

What is the function of the endosteum?

It is the membrane lining the medullary cavity and trabeculae of spongy bone.

What is intramembranous ossification?

It is the process by which bone develops within fibrous connective tissue membrane.

What are osteoblasts?

Cells that build bone matrix.

What are lamellae?

Layers of bone matrix.

What are canaliculi?

Small channels for nutrient exchange.

What are osteoclasts?

Cells that dissolve bone matrix.

Where does longitudinal growth occur in bones?

It occurs at the epiphyseal plate.

What is hematopoiesis?

The process that occurs in red bone marrow, not yellow.

What hormone is crucial for bone remodeling?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH).

What causes the epiphyseal plate to close too early?

It is caused by elevated sex hormone levels.

What is an osteocyte?

A mature bone cell formed when an osteoblast is trapped.

What produces ossification of the ends of long bones?

Secondary ossification centers.

What does the inner layer of the periosteum contain?

It contains osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

What age and gender correspond to a thin epiphyseal plate?

An 18-year-old male.

How can osteoporosis be prevented?

With adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.

How is the periosteum secured?

By perforating (Sharpey’s) fibers.

What is the thoracic curvature in relation to the ribs?

Thoracic vertebrae attach to ribs (T1–T12).

What parts of the skull does the sphenoid bone form?

It forms parts of middle cranial fossa, orbits, and skull walls.

What is the largest and strongest facial bone?

The mandible.

Where is the sella turcica located?

It is part of the sphenoid bone; it houses the pituitary gland.

What do lacrimal bones contain?

They contain openings for tear ducts.

How does the frontal bone articulate with other bones?

It joins parietal bones by coronal suture.

What is unique about the dens articulation?

It articulates with the atlas (C1), not the occipital bone.

Which bone makes up the anterior cranium?

The frontal bone.

What is unique about thoracic vertebrae?

They have costal facets for rib attachment.

What is unique about the hyoid bone?

It does not articulate with any other bone.

What does the pelvic girdle exclude?

The femur.

What is an abnormal spinal curve noted in pregnancy?

Lordosis.

What is another name for the cheekbone?

The zygomatic bone.

What is the nickname of the sphenoid bone?

Keystone bone (it articulates with all skull bones except the mandible).

What is the difference in motion between thoracic and lumbar vertebrae?

It is due to facet orientation differences.

What type of motion allows for the radius proximal joint?

It allows rotational motion of the forearm.

What does the axial skeleton include?

Skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

What is the major function of the axial skeleton?

It provides central support and protects internal organs.

What type of motion does the ulna proximal joint allow?

It allows hinge-like motion of the forearm.

What is different about thoracic vertebrae 11–12?

They have no facets for rib articulation.