Skeletal System Anatomy, Physiology, and Disorders

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the axial and appendicular skeleton, articulations, bone histology and gross anatomy, fracture types and repair steps, and skeletal disorders.

Axial Skeleton

The central part of the skeletal system consisting of the skull, spine, and ribs.

Cervical Vertebrae

The first seven vertebrae of the spinal column, which include the atlas and axis.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The twelve vertebrae (numbered 8 through 19) located below the cervical region, distinguished by transverse rib facets.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The five large, heavy vertebrae (numbered 20 through 24) that support most of the body's weight.

Sacrum

A triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae.

Coccyx

The tailbone, formed by the fusion of the final four coccygeal vertebrae.

True Ribs

The first 7 pairs of ribs that attach directly to the sternum.

False Ribs

The 3 pairs of ribs immediately following the true ribs that attach indirectly to the sternum.

Floating Ribs

The last 2 pairs of ribs, which do not attach to the sternum.

Appendicular Skeleton

The division of the skeleton comprising the arms and legs, attached to the axial skeleton by pectoral or pelvic girdles.

Synarthrosis

An immovable articulation or joint.

Amphiarthroses

Slightly movable articulations or joints.

Hinge Joint

A type of synovial articulation that moves in only one plane.

Pivot Joint

A type of articulation that allows rotational movement.

Saddle Joint

A specialized articulation found in the thumb.

Ball and Socket Joint

A multi-axial articulation that permits movement in multiple planes.

Functions of the Skeletal System

Five major bodily functions: support, protection, movement, storage, and blood cell formation.

Sesamoid Bone

A special type of short bone that is embedded within a tendon.

Epiphysis

The proximal and distal ends of a long bone.

Medullary Cavity

The central internal cavity located inside the shaft of a long bone.

Periosteum

The fibrous outer membrane covering the surface of a bone.

Lacunae

Small microscopic chambers or cavities in bone tissue that house osteocytes.

Lamella

Concentric rings or layers of matrix seen in the microscopic structure of bone.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells located inside lacunae.

Haversian Canal

A central microscopic canal in compact bone that carries blood vessels and nerves.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that play an active role in bone formation and growth.

Comminuted Fracture

A bone fracture in which the bone shatters or breaks into multiple pieces.

Compression Fracture

A fracture where the bone collapses or is crushed under pressure, commonly occurring in the spine.

Depression Fracture

A fracture characterized by broken bone being pressed inward, creating a concave shape.

Impacted Fracture

A fracture in which broken bone ends are driven forcefully into each other.

Spiral Fracture

A ragged bone break resulting from excessive twisting forces.

Greenstick Fracture

An incomplete break where the bone bends and fractures partially rather than snapping through.

Reduction

The realignment of broken bone ends to initiate proper fracture healing.

Hematoma Formation

The initial stage of fracture repair where a blood-filled swelling forms around the break.

Fibrocartilage Callus Formation

The secondary stage of fracture healing marked by the development of cartilage, collagen, and a repair matrix.

Bony Callus Formation

The stage of fracture healing where the fibrocartilage callus is replaced by a structure composed mostly of spongy bone.

Bone Remodeling

The final stage of fracture repair during which the bone structure is reshaped and restored.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disorder of the joints that is treated with anti-inflammatory medications.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disorder resulting from the wearing down of articular cartilage, managed with anti-inflammatory treatments.

Gout

A joint disease caused by the accumulation of urate crystals, managed through diet and exercise.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by the weakening of bone tissue, managed with weight training and dietary supplements.

Scoliosis

An abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine, treated with supplements, physical therapy, a brace, or surgery.

Kyphosis

An abnormal forward tilt of the spinal column, treated with supplements, physical therapy, a brace, or surgery.

Lordosis

An abnormal backward tilt of the spinal column, treated with supplements, physical therapy, a brace, or surgery.

Spinal Stenosis

A narrowing or reduction in the spinal cavity due to arthritis, age, or injury; produces cramping and pain ranging from none to severe, and is treated with anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, or surgery.

Rickets

A disorder caused by a lack of vitamin D that results in the softening of bones, treated with dietary supplements.