RAD 111 Notes Chapter 1 — Anatomy, Physiology, and Skeletal System Basics

Vocabulary-style glossary flashcards covering anatomy, physiology, bone biology, joints, body habitus, and major organ systems as presented in the notes.

Anatomy

The study of the structure, organization, and description of body parts.

Physiology

The study of body functions and how parts work together.

Levels of Structural Organization

Hierarchy from chemical level to organism that forms the body’s structure and function.

Chemical level

Atoms combine to form molecules involved in life’s processes.

Atoms

Smallest units of matter that participate in chemical reactions in the body.

Molecules

Two or more atoms joined together forming the chemicals of life.

Cells

Basic structural and functional unit of life; all body parts are made of cells.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells performing related functions; four types.

Epithelial tissue

Covers surfaces and lines vessels and organs (e.g., stomach, intestines).

Connective tissue

Supports and binds structures.

Muscular tissue

Forms muscles.

Nervous tissue

Makes up nerves and nerve centers.

Organs

Complex groups of tissues with a specific function and shape.

Systems

Groups of organs with similar functions.

Organism

All 10 body systems functioning together.

Skeletal System

System consisting of bones, joints, and associated structures.

Osteology

Study of bones.

Arthrology

Study of joints.

206 bones

Total number of bones in the adult human skeleton.

Joints

Sites where two or more bones meet; allow varying degrees of movement.

Ligaments

Fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone.

Locomotor system

Bones plus muscles enabling movement.

Axial skeleton

Bones along the central axis; 80 bones.

Appendicular skeleton

Bones of the limbs and girdles; 126 bones.

Sesamoid bones

Small bones embedded in tendons (e.g., patella).

Patellae

Kneecaps; largest sesamoid bones.

Long bones

Bones with a shaft and two ends; mostly in the appendicular skeleton.

Compact bone

Dense outer layer of bone.

Spongy bone (cancellous)

Porous inner bone; contains red bone marrow.

Medullary cavity

Hollow shaft of long bone; contains yellow marrow in adults.

Periosteum

Dense fibrous membrane covering bone; contains vessels.

Hyaline cartilage

Covers articulating bone surfaces; reduces friction.

Intramembranous ossification

Bone forms directly from membranes; makes flat bones.

Endochondral ossification

Bone replaces cartilage; forms most of the skeleton.

Primary ossification center

First bone-forming center in the diaphysis (shaft).

Secondary ossification centers

Epiphyseal regions near ends after birth.

Epiphyseal plates

Growth plates between metaphysis and epiphysis; site of longitudinal growth.

Epiphyseal fusion

Fusion of growth plates into bone; maturity around 20–25 years.

Synarthrosis

Immovable joint.

Amphiarthrosis

Slightly movable joint.

Diarthrosis

Freely movable joint.

Fibrous joints

Joints with no joint cavity; bones connected by fibrous tissue.

Syndesmosis

Slight movement joint; held by interosseous ligaments.

Suture

Skull joint; immovable in adults (slightly flexible in infants).

Gomphosis

Peg-in-socket joint (tooth in socket); very limited movement.

Cartilaginous joints

Joints with no joint cavity; bones held by cartilage.

Symphysis

Broad fibrocartilage disk between bones; slight movement.

Synchondrosis

Temporary joints where hyaline cartilage becomes bone.

Synovial joints

Freely movable joints with a joint cavity and synovial fluid.

Joint cavity

Space within a synovial joint containing synovial fluid.

Articular cartilage

Cartilage covering articulating bone surfaces.

Synovial fluid

Lubricating fluid secreted by the synovial membrane.

Plane (gliding) joints

Joints permitting sliding/gliding; least movement.

Ginglymus (Hinge) joints

Allow flexion and extension; examples: fingers, toes, elbow.

Pivot (Trochoid) joints

Rotation around a single axis; examples: radioulnar joints.

Ellipsoid (Condylar) joints

Movement in a plane with slight rotation; examples: MCP, radiocarpal.

Saddle (Sellar) joints

Concave-convex ends; flexion/extension, abduction/adduction.

Ball-and-Socket (Spheroidal) joints

Greatest freedom of motion; examples: shoulder, hip.

Bicondylar joints

Two condyles; primarily one axis; examples: knee, TMJ.

Body habitus

Build/physique affecting positioning and appearance of organs.

Sthenic

Average body type (~50% population).

Hyposthenic

Slender body type (~35%).

Hypersthenic

Broad frame (~5%).

Asthenic

Thin/slender, long/narrow build (~10%).

Bariatric

Obesity; abnormal/excessive fat accumulation; large body habitus.

Obesity

Excess body fat that may impair health.

Endocrine system

Ductless glands that secrete hormones; placenta is temporary gland.

Placenta

Temporary endocrine gland during pregnancy.

Integumentary system

Skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, glands).

Skin largest organ

Largest organ of the body; ~3000 in² / 7620 cm²; ~8% body mass.

Vitamin D

Vitamin synthesized/biochemically produced by the skin.

10 Systems

Skeletal, Circulatory, Digestive, Respiratory, Urinary, Reproductive, Nervous, Muscular, Endocrine, Integumentary.

Alimentary canal

Digestive tract from mouth to anus.

Accessory organs (digestive)

Salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.

Digestive system functions

Break down food and absorb nutrients; eliminate solid waste.

Respiratory system functions

Supply O2 to blood/cells; remove CO2; regulate acid-base.

Urinary system functions

Regulate blood chemistry; remove wastes; balance fluids/electrolytes and acid-base.

Nervous system

Coordinates activities and transmits electrical impulses.

Nervous system organs

Brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, sense organs.

Muscular system

All muscle tissue; movement, posture, heat production.

Radiography note: Bariatric patients

Unique positioning and imaging challenges due to obesity.