Appendicular Skeleton Overview

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to the appendicular skeleton, including bones, structures, and significant anatomical terms.

Pectoral Girdle

The bone structure connected to the axial skeleton that supports the upper extremities.

Pelvic Girdle

The bone structure connected to the axial skeleton that supports the lower extremities.

Scapula

A flat bone that connects the humerus to the clavicle; also known as the shoulder blade.

Clavicle

The bone that connects the arm to the body, also known as the collarbone.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm or forelimb; it runs from the shoulder to the elbow.

Ulna

One of the two long bones in the forearm, located on the opposite side of the thumb.

Radius

The bone in the forearm on the same side as the thumb.

Interosseous Membrane

A thin sheet of fibrous tissue located between the ulna and radius, and tibia and fibula.

Femur

The longest and strongest bone in the human body; the thigh bone.

Patella

The kneecap; a flat, circular-triangular bone that articulates with the femur.

Tibia

The larger, stronger of the two bones in the lower leg; also known as the shinbone.

Fibula

The smaller of the two bones in the lower leg, located on the lateral side.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers and toes; each finger and toe has three phalanges except for the thumb and big toe, which have two.

Acetabulum

The cup-shaped socket of the hip bone, into which the head of the femur fits.

Pubic Symphysis

The joint where the left and right pubic bones meet, made of fibrocartilage.

Greater Sciatic Notch

A notch in the ilium that allows for the passage of nerves and blood vessels into the lower limb.

Subpubic Angle

The angle formed by the pubic rami, which differs between male and female pelves.