Skeletal System Anatomy

Comprehensive fill-in-the-blank practice flashcards covering human skeletal anatomy, bone markings, axial and appendicular skeleton structures, and anatomical figures.

The human skeletal system contains approximately __________ total bones.

206

The axial skeleton consists of approximately __________ bones, which account for about 40% of all bones in the body.

80

A massive, rough projection found only on the femur is known as a __________.

trochanter

In bone structure terminology, a smooth, grooved, pulleylike process is defined as a __________.

trochlea

A deep pit or socket located in the maxillae or mandible for tooth attachment is called an __________.

alveolus

The human skull consists of 22 bones in total, including 8 cranial bones and __________ facial bones.

14

The roof of the skull, known as the calvaria, is composed of the occipital, parietal, and __________ bones.

frontal

The three auditory ossicles housed within the petrous part of the temporal bone are the malleus, incus, and __________.

stapes

The depression within the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone that encloses the pituitary gland is the __________ fossa.

hypophyseal

The nasal septum is formed by the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, the vomer, and the __________ cartilage.

septal

The immovable fibrous joint located between the frontal bone and the parietal bones is the __________ suture.

coronal

The suture separating the occipital bone from the parietal bones is the __________ suture.

lambdoid

The hard palate is formed by the palatine processes of the maxillae and the __________ processes of the palatine bones.

horizontal

The temporomandibular joint is formed by the articulation of the mandibular condyle with the mandibular fossa of the __________ bone.

temporal

The largest of the paranasal sinuses is the __________ sinus.

maxillary

The frontal sinus typically appears at around __________ years of age, though it may fail to develop in some individuals.

6

The largest fontanelle in the infant skull, commonly referred to as the 'soft spot', is the __________ fontanelle, which closes around 15 months.

anterior

The posterior fontanelle of the infant skull typically closes at approximately __________ months of age.

9

The hyoid bone is unique among skeletal structures because it does not __________ with any other bone.

articulate

The average adult vertebral column measures approximately __________ cm in length.

71

The thoracic and sacral curves of the vertebral column are classified as __________ curves because they develop before birth.

primary

The secondary curves of the vertebral column include the cervical curve and the __________ curve, which develops around 1 year of age with the ability to stand.

lumbar

The vertebral arch is formed by two pedicles extending from the body and two __________ extending to the spinous process.

laminae

The first cervical vertebra (C1), also known as the atlas, is unique because it lacks both a body and a __________ process.

spinous

The prominent vertical process of C2 (axis) that articulates with the atlas to form a pivot joint for rotation is called the __________.

dens

Vertebra C7 is called the vertebra prominens due to its large spinous process, which serves as an attachment site for the __________.

ligamentum nuchae

Thoracic vertebrae feature long, slender spinous processes that project inferiorly, creating a __________-like appearance in profile.

giraffe

Lumbar vertebrae are the largest vertebrae, featuring thick oval bodies and a __________-like appearance in profile.

moose

The sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae, completing fusion between __________ years of age.

25-30

The sternum consists of the manubrium, body, and the __________ process, which typically ossifies around age 40.

xiphoid

Rib pairs 1 through 7 are classified as true ribs, or __________ ribs, because they attach directly to the sternum.

vertebrosternal

Rib pairs 11 and 12 are called vertebral ribs or __________ ribs because they have no anterior attachment.

floating

The only direct articulation between the pectoral girdle and the axial skeleton occurs at the __________ joint.

sternoclavicular

The shallow, cup-shaped depression of the scapula that articulates with the head of the humerus is the __________ cavity.

glenoid

The most common site for a fracture on the proximal humerus is the __________ neck.

surgical

On the distal end of the humerus, the rounded lateral condyle that articulates with the head of the radius is the __________.

capitulum

In anatomical position, the forearm bone located on the lateral (thumb) side is the __________.

radius

The carpus of the wrist contains __________ individual carpal bones arranged in two rows of four.

8

The largest bone among the carpal bones of the wrist is the __________.

capitate

Each os coxae of the pelvic girdle is formed by the fusion of three bones: the ilium, ischium, and __________.

pubis

The cup-shaped socket on the lateral face of the os coxae that articulates with the head of the femur is the __________.

acetabulum

The posterior projection of the ischium that supports body weight when sitting is the ischial __________.

tuberosity

Female pelves are adapted for childbearing and feature a broader subpubic angle greater than __________ degrees.

100

The small depression located within the head of the femur is called the __________ capitis.

fovea

The patella is classified as a large __________ bone formed within the quadriceps tendon.

sesamoid

In the leg, the tibia bears body weight, whereas the __________ does not support body weight.

fibula

The medial malleolus of the ankle is formed by the distal end of the tibia, while the lateral malleolus is formed by the distal end of the __________.

fibula

The largest tarsal bone forming the heel of the foot is the __________.

calcaneus