Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology: The Appendicular Skeleton

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 8 of the anatomy lecture on the appendicular skeleton.

Appendicular skeleton

Includes 60 percent of bones in the body; allows movement and manipulation of objects.

Pectoral girdle

Connects each arm to the body; consists of one clavicle and one scapula.

Clavicle

S-shaped bone that articulates with the scapula at the acromial end and originates at the manubrium.

Scapula

Broad, flat bone that articulates with the humerus and clavicle; also known as the shoulder blade.

Humerus

The only bone in the arm, extending from the scapula to the elbow.

Radius

Lateral bone of the forearm that connects at the elbow and wrist.

Ulna

Medial bone of the forearm that articulates with the humerus and radius.

Pelvic girdle

Consists of two hip bones, attaches to lower limbs and is strong enough to bear body weight.

Acetabulum

Socket on the lateral surface of each hip bone that articulates with the head of the femur.

Femur

Longest and heaviest bone in the body, articulates with the hip bone at the acetabulum.

Patella

Large sesamoid bone also known as the kneecap, forms within the tendon of the quadriceps.

Tibia

Large, medial weight-bearing bone of the leg, articulating with the femur.

Fibula

Small, lateral bone of the leg that stabilizes the ankle but does not bear significant weight.

Metacarpals

Five long bones of the hand, numbered I–V from lateral to medial.

Phalanges

Finger bones; the thumb (pollex) has two phalanges, while the other fingers have three.

True pelvis

Inferior to the pelvic brim; encloses the pelvic inlet.

False pelvis

Superior to the pelvic brim; does not enclose any pelvic cavity.

Arches of the foot

Structures that transfer weight from one part of the foot to another; include longitudinal and transverse arches.

Interosseous membrane

Fibrous sheet connecting the lateral margin of the ulna to the radius.

Glenohumeral joint

Joint formed by the articulation of the humerus with the glenoid cavity of the scapula.