Key Terms of the Appendicular Skeleton

Acromion

Lateral end of the spine of the scapula; articulates with the clavicle.

Acetabulum

Deep socket in the hip bone that receives the head of the femur.

Appendicular Skeleton

The bones of the limbs and their girdles (pectoral and pelvic).

Articular Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage covering the ends of bones in a synovial joint.

Articular Capsule

Double-layered capsule surrounding a synovial joint.

Calcaneus

The largest tarsal bone, forming the heel.

Capitulum

Lateral rounded knob on the distal humerus that articulates with the radius.

Carpals

The bones of the wrist.

Clavicle

Collarbone; part of the pectoral girdle.

Coracoid Process

Hooklike process on the scapula; attachment site for the biceps brachii muscle.

Coronoid Fossa

Anterior depression on the distal humerus, superior to the trochlea.

Coxal Bone (Os Coxae)

The hip bone, formed by the fusion of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Deltoid Tuberosity

Roughened area on the lateral humerus; attachment site for the deltoid muscle.

Diarthrotic

Freely movable joint.

Epiphyseal Plate

Temporary hyaline cartilage joint found in growing bones.

Femur

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

Fibrous Joint

Joint held together by dense fibrous connective tissue; immovable or slightly movable.

Fibula

Thin, lateral leg bone.

Glenoid Cavity

Depression in the scapula that articulates with the head of the humerus.

Glenoid Labrum

Rim of fibrocartilage around the glenoid cavity that deepens the socket.

Gluteal Tuberosity

Roughened area on the posterior femur; attachment site for gluteus maximus.

Gomphosis

"Peg in socket" fibrous joint, like the joint between a tooth and its socket.

Greater Sciatic Notch

Large notch in the ilium that permits passage of the sciatic nerve.

Greater and Lesser Trochanters

Large processes on the proximal femur; muscle attachment sites.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm.

Iliac Crest

Superiormost margin of the ilium.

Ilium

The largest and most superior part of the hip bone.

Interosseous Membrane

Sheet of fibrous connective tissue connecting paired long bones.

Ischial Tuberosity

Rough projection that supports body weight when sitting.

Ischium

The posterior and inferior part of the hip bone.

Lateral Malleolus

Lateral ankle projection, formed by the distal end of the fibula.