Introduction to Bones

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the skeletal system.

Skeletal System Function

Provides structure/support for the human body, facilitates movement, protects internal organs, produces blood cells, stores and releases minerals and fat.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of bones along the body’s long axis.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs and girdles.

Hematopoietic

Relating to the formation of blood cells.

Articulated Skeleton

A skeleton in which the bones are connected to each other.

Disarticulated Skeleton

A skeleton in which the bones are separated.

Projection

An outward bulge or bump on a bone, often for muscle attachment.

Ramus

A branch or extension of a bone that forms an angle with the rest of the structure.

Trochanter

A large, rough projection on a bone for muscle attachment.

Tuberosity

A small, rough projection on a bone.

Epicondyle

A small projection above a condyle, often serving as an attachment for ligaments.

Condyle

A smooth, rounded articular process at the end of a bone.

Facet

A small, flat articular surface on a bone.

Fossa

A shallow depression in a bone that receives an articulating bone.

Foramen

A rounded opening in a bone for blood vessels or nerves.

Canal

A passageway through the bone.

Notch

A V-like depression in the margin of a flat area of bone.

Sulcus

A narrow groove in a bone.

Meatus

A tube-like opening or channel in a bone.

Crest

A prominent ridge on a bone.

Spine

A pointed process on a bone.

Neck

A narrow connection between the epiphysis and diaphysis of a long bone.

Epiphysis

The end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft.

Diaphysis

The shaft or central part of a long bone.

Long Bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide, such as the femur.

Short Bones

Bones that are approximately as wide as they are long, such as carpals.

Flat Bones

Thin, flattened bones, like the ribs and skull bones.

Irregular Bones

Bones with complex shapes, such as vertebrae.

Sesamoid Bones

Bones that form within tendons, like the patella.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in joints, the rib cage, and the nose.

Osteoblast

A type of cell that produces new bone material.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell that maintains the bone matrix.

Osteoclast

A type of cell that breaks down bone tissue.

Bone Remodeling

The process by which bone is continuously renewed and repaired.

Periosteum

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones.

Endosteum

A thin membrane lining the inner surface of the bony tissue.

Bone Density

The amount of bone mineral in bone tissue.

Joint

A place where two or more bones meet.

Ligament

A band of tissue connecting two bones or cartilages at a joint.

Tendon

A fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone.

Synovial Fluid

A viscous fluid found in joint cavities that lubricates and nourishes joints.

Hinge Joint

A joint that allows movement in one plane, like the elbow.

Ball-and-Socket Joint

A joint that allows movement in multiple planes, like the shoulder.

Cartilaginous Joint

A joint in which the bones are connected by cartilage.

Fibrous Joint

A joint connected by dense connective tissue without a joint cavity.