ANAT 8010: Osteology & Arthrology

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical planes, directional terms, skeletal divisions, bone classifications, surface markings, and long bone anatomy from ANAT 8010.

Osteology

The branch of anatomy focusing on the study of bones, including bone structure, function, development, pathology, composition, and ossification.

Median Plane

A vertical plane passing through the body dividing it into equal left and right sides (also known as the midsagittal plane).

Sagittal Plane

A vertical plane passing through the body parallel to the median plane that runs vertically from top to bottom, dividing the body into left and right portions.

Parasagittal Plane

A sagittal plane that is uneven and does not pass down the midline of the body.

Frontal Plane

A vertical plane passing through the body perpendicular to the median or midsagittal plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions; also known as the coronal plane.

Transverse Plane

A plane passing through the body at right angles to the median and frontal planes, dividing the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts; also known as the transaxial plane.

Deep

An anatomical directional term meaning further away from the surface of the body.

Superficial

An anatomical directional term meaning closer to the surface of the body.

Proximal

An anatomical directional term meaning closer to the trunk.

Distal

An anatomical directional term meaning away from the trunk.

Medial

An anatomical directional term indicating toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

An anatomical directional term indicating away from the midline of the body.

Bilateral

Relating to or occurring on both sides of the body equally.

Unilateral

Occurring on only one side of the body.

Ipsilateral

Describing two separate structures located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Describing two separate structures located on opposite sides of the body.

Cephalad

An anatomical directional term meaning toward the head.

Caudal

An anatomical directional term meaning toward the tail.

Prone

A body position describing lying face down.

Supine

A body position describing lying face up.

Anatomical Position

The body placed in a supine position with palms facing upward, toes facing upward, and the male penis pointing cephalad (considered in the erect position).

Axial Skeleton

The central division of the adult skeleton consisting of 80 bones: skull (28), hyoid (1), rib cage (25), and vertebral column (26).

Appendicular Skeleton

The division of the adult skeleton consisting of 126 bones: upper limb and pectoral girdle (64) and lower limb and pelvic girdle (62).

Long Bones

A classification of bones that are longer than they are wide, exemplified by the humerus and femur.

Short Bones

A classification of bones with a cuboidal shape, such as those found in the wrist and ankles.

Flat Bones

A classification of thin, flattened bones, exemplified by the cranium.

Irregular Bones

A classification of bones with complex, varied shapes, such as the vertebrae and facial bones.

Sesamoid Bones

A classification of bones that form embedded within tendons, such as the patella.

Fissure

A narrow slit or cleft in a bone that serves as a passageway for blood vessels and nerves.

Sulcus

A groove on a bone that functions as a passageway for blood vessels and nerves.

Foramen

An opening or hole through a bone that acts as a passageway for blood vessels and nerves.

Fossa

A shallow depression or basin in a bone that serves as an attachment site for muscles or articulations.

Spinous Process / Transverse Process

A boney projection that provides attachment for muscles or articulations.

Meatus

A blind canal within a bone that provides a passageway for blood vessels and nerves.

Ramus

A smooth, rounded articular process that functions in bone articulation.

Facet

A smooth, flat, or slightly concave articular surface that functions in bone articulation.

Condyle

A smooth, rounded articular process that functions in articulation.

Crest

A prominent ridge on a bone that functions as an attachment site for muscles.

Epicondyle

A boney projection situated superior to a condyle that serves as an attachment site for muscles.

Head (Bone Marking)

A rounded articular projection supported by a narrower 'neck' that participates in joint articulation.

Line (Bone Marking)

A long, narrow ridge on a bone that serves as an attachment site for muscles.

Trochanter

A very large projection found exclusively on the femur that serves as an attachment site for muscles.

Tubercle

A small, rounded projection on a bone that serves as an attachment site for muscles.

Tuberosity

A large, roughened projection on a bone that provides an attachment site for muscles.

Diaphysis

The central shaft of a long bone.

Epiphysis

The proximal or distal terminal end of a long bone.

Metaphysis

The region between the epiphysis and diaphysis in mature bone, or the area of the epiphyseal plate where cartilage is replaced by bone in growing bone.

Articular Cartilage

Cartilage covering the ends of bones where they articulate with other bones to form a joint.

Periosteum

A dense white fibrous covering surrounding a bone consisting of an outer fibrous layer with nerves and vessels and an inner osteogenic layer containing cells responsible for bone growth, repair, and ligament/tendon attachment.

Medullary Cavity

The cavity inside the diaphysis of a long bone that contains bone marrow, including yellow fat marrow and red blood-forming marrow.

Endosteum

The inner layer of cells lining the medullary (marrow) cavity containing osteoblasts and osteoclasts.