Lab Activity 4: The Skull and Axial Skeleton

Flashcards covering key concepts from Lab Activity 4 regarding the skull and the axial skeleton.

What are the two groups of bones that form the skull?

Cranial bones and facial bones.

What is the function of cranial bones?

They enclose and protect the brain.

What are facial bones primarily responsible for?

Providing attachment for facial muscles and holding the eyes in place.

What type of bone are the cranial bones categorized as?

Flat bones.

Which bone of the skull is not joined together by sutures?

The mandible.

What is the name of the forehead bone?

Frontal bone.

What is the name of the cheekbone?

Zygomatic bone.

What are fontanelles in the fetal/infant skull and what is their function?

Fontanelles are soft spots on the skull that allow for growth and flexibility during birth.

What is the composition of the axial skeleton?

The skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

What is the primary function of the axial skeleton?

To provide rigid support and protect vital organs.

How many cervical vertebrae are there?

Seven.

What are the names of the first two cervical vertebrae?

Atlas and Axis.

How can you physically distinguish cervical vertebrae from others?

Cervical vertebrae are smaller and have holes in the transverse processes.

How many thoracic vertebrae are there?

Twelve.

How can you identify thoracic vertebrae in a pile?

They have facets for rib attachments.

How many lumbar vertebrae are there?

Five.

What distinguishes lumbar vertebrae from others?

They are larger and have a thicker body.

What unique feature helps identify the sacrum?

The sacrum is a fused structure composed of five sacral vertebrae.

What is unique about the coccyx?

It is the smallest vertebra and consists of three to five fused bones.

What type of cartilage forms the intervertebral discs?

Fibrocartilage.

What is the difference between true ribs and false ribs?

True ribs directly attach to the sternum, while false ribs do not.