Bones, Joints, and Synovial Fluid

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to the bones, joints, and synovial fluid within the musculoskeletal system.

Musculoskeletal system

The organ system that enables humans and animals to move using the muscular and skeletal systems.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebrae, and rib cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the limbs and girdles.

Intervertebral disc

A cushion of cartilage between vertebrae that provides support and flexibility.

Nucleus pulposus

The inner gel-like core of an intervertebral disc.

Anulus fibrosus

The outer fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell that maintains bone tissue.

Osteoblast

A cell that is responsible for bone formation.

Osteoclast

A cell that breaks down bone tissue.

Joint

A structure where two or more bones come together.

Femur

The thigh bone, the longest bone in the body.

Ligament

Tissue that connects bones to other bones at joints.

Tibia

The shinbone, the larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg.

Patella

The kneecap, a flat bone that protects the knee joint.

Cranial bones

Bones that form the cranium, which houses the brain.

Zygomatic arch

The bony arch on the side of the face that forms the cheekbone.

Vertebral foramen

The opening in each vertebra that allows the spinal cord to pass through.

Humerus

The bone of the upper arm or forelimb.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers and toes.