Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory: Overview of the Skeleton

Flashcards covering the classification and structure of bones and cartilages, functions of the skeletal system, and key anatomical features of the axial skeleton, including specific bones, sutures, and vertebrae.

What is one function of the skeletal system related to holding the body upright?

Support

How does the skeletal system protect delicate organs?

The skull protects the brain, and the vertebral column protects the spinal cord.

How does the skeletal system facilitate movement?

It acts as a lever system, working with muscles to move body parts.

What role do bones play in mineral balance?

They act as a storage site for calcium.

What is hematopoiesis?

The process of blood cell formation, which occurs in the bone marrow.

What bones constitute the axial skeleton?

Skull, vertebrae, sternum, and ribs.

What bones constitute the appendicular skeleton?

All bones other than the skull, vertebrae, sternum, and ribs (limbs, girdles).

What fluid would typically be found in the medullary cavity of an adult's long bone?

Yellow marrow

What type of bone is found at the epiphysis of a long bone?

Spongy bone

What is the extracellular matrix of compact bone primarily composed of?

A calcium-phosphate compound and collagen.

What are the repeating ring-like structures that form the matrix of compact bone called?

Osteons (Haversian Systems)

What is unique about the hyoid bone in terms of articulation?

It is the only bone that does not articulate with any other bone.

Name the four major sutures of the skull.

Sagittal, Coronal, Lambdoid, and Squamous sutures.

What is another name for the Mandibular Condyle?

Condylar Process

What is another name for a nasal concha?

Nasal turbinate

Which cervical vertebra articulates with the occipital condyles?

The first cervical vertebra, the Atlas (C1).

What are the key characteristics of the Atlas (C1) vertebra?

It has no body and no spinous process.

What are the key characteristics of the Axis (C2) vertebra?

It has a DENS (the upright portion that inserts into the vertebral foramen of the atlas).

What are the three main parts of the sternum?

Manubrium, Body, and Xiphoid Process.

What is a notable feature of the frontal bone in a newborn's skull?

It is a paired bone at this age with a suture between the two bones.

What is another name for the Sphenoidal Fontanelle?

Anterolateral fontanelle.

What is another name for the Mastoid Fontanelle?

Posterolateral fontanelle.