Skeletal System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining the major bones, skeletal divisions, and bone categories based on Chapter 32 Body Structure and Function.

Axial skeleton

The division of the skeleton that includes the skull (cranium and facial bones), vertebral column, ribs, sternum, and sacrum.

Appendicular skeleton

The division of the skeleton that includes the pectoral girdle (clavicle and scapula), upper limbs (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges), pelvic girdle (coxal bone), and lower limbs (femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, phalanges, calcaneus).

Flat bones

Bones described as thin that function to protect underlying structures and organs.

Sesamoid bones

Bones that are usually short or small, imbedded in a tendon (such as the patella), and provide protection.

Cranium

The superior portion of the skull enclosing the brain cavity.

Facial bones

Bones forming the front part of the skull and facial structure.

Mandible

The bone of the lower jaw located below the facial bones.

Clavicle

The collarbone located in the upper anterior chest superior to the sternum and scapula.

Scapula

The shoulder blade bone located on the upper posterior trunk.

Humerus

The long bone of the upper arm extending from the shoulder to the elbow.

Radius

One of the two forearm bones, located parallel to the ulna.

Ulna

One of the two forearm bones, located parallel to the radius.

Sternum

The breastbone situated centrally in the anterior thoracic wall.

Costal cartilage

Cartilaginous structures connecting the ribs to the sternum.

Ribs

Bones forming the thoracic cage around the chest cavity.

Vertebral column

The spine structure composed of individual vertebrae running along the midline of the back.

Coxal (hip) bone

The large bone that forms the pelvic girdle.

Sacrum

Bone located at the posterior base of the vertebral column between the coxal bones.

Carpals

Bones that form the wrist.

Metacarpals

Bones forming the middle section of the hand between the carpals and phalanges.

Phalanges

Bones forming the fingers and toes.

Femur

The thigh bone, extending from the hip to the knee.

Patella

The kneecap bone, categorized as a sesamoid bone embedded in a tendon.

Tibia

The larger, medial bone of the lower leg.

Fibula

The smaller, lateral bone of the lower leg.

Tarsals

Bones of the ankle region.

Metatarsals

Bones of the foot located between the tarsals and the phalanges.

Calcaneus

The heel bone located at the base of the foot.