Appendicular Skeleton

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the Appendicular Skeleton.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton forming the appendages and attachment points of the body, consisting of 126 bones.

Pectoral Girdle

A structure consisting of 2 clavicles and 2 scapulae that supports the upper limbs and serves as attachment points for muscles.

Clavicle

Also known as the collarbone, connects the sternum (manubrium) to the scapula (acromion).

Scapula

The shoulder blade that features the medial/lateral borders, coracoid process, acromion, spine, supra/infra spinous fossae, and glenoid cavity.

Upper Limb

The section of the appendicular skeleton consisting of the arm, forearm, and hand, providing muscle attachment points.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm that features the shaft, head, greater/lesser tubercle, deltoid tuberosity, coronoid fossa, olecranon fossa, medial/lateral epicondyles, capitulum, and trochlea.

Forearm

The part of the upper limb extending from the elbow to the wrist, made up of 2 bones: the ulna and the radius.

Ulna

One of the two bones of the forearm, featuring a shaft, trochlear notch, olecranon, coronoid process, head, and styloid process.

Radius

The other bone of the forearm, featuring a shaft, head, radial tuberosity, styloid process, and interosseous membrane.

Carpus

The wrist consisting of 8 bones divided into proximal (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform) and distal groups (hamate, capitate, trapezoid, trapezium).

Metacarpals

The five bones in the hand, numbered starting from the pollex (thumb).

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers, with 3 bones per finger: proximal, middle, and distal.

Pelvic Girdle

A structure consisting of the hip bones (coxal bones) that supports the lower limbs and provides attachment points for muscles.

Coxal Bone

Each hip bone formed by the fusion of three bones: ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Femur

The thigh bone, which is the longest and strongest bone in the body, featuring the head, neck, greater/lesser trochanters, and medial/lateral condyles.

Patella

The kneecap, a small bone that protects the knee joint and aids in leg movement.

Tibia

The larger bone of the lower leg, known as the shinbone, which supports most of the body's weight and features the medial malleolus.

Fibula

The smaller bone of the lower leg, which runs parallel to the tibia and provides stability to the ankle joint.

Tarsals

The 7 bones of the ankle that include the calcaneus, talus, navicular, and cuneiforms (medial, intermediate, and lateral), as well as the cuboid.

Metatarsals

The five long bones in the foot, numbered 1 to 5 starting from the hallux (big toe).

Phalanges (Foot)

The bones of the toes, similar to the fingers, consisting of proximal, middle, and distal phalanges.

What is the purpose of the appendicular skeleton?

It provides support and movement for the body's appendages, consisting of bones that form the limbs and their attachment points.

What bones make up the pectoral girdle?

The pectoral girdle is made up of two clavicles and two scapulae.

What is the function of the femur?

The femur supports most of the body's weight and allows for leg movement. It is the longest and strongest bone in the body.

What distinguishes the ulna from the radius?

The ulna is longer and forms the elbow joint while the radius is shorter and located on the thumb side of the forearm.

What is the significance of the patella?

The patella, or kneecap, protects the knee joint and aids in the movement of the leg.