Appendicular skeleton practical terms

Clavicle

connects scapula to breastbone, forms part of pectoral girdle

scapula

connects clavicle to the humerus, forms part of the pectoral girdle

acromion process

bony projection of the scapula

coracoid process

a hook shaped bone projection on the scapula that helps stabilize shoulder joint

humerous

long bone in upper arm

humerus head

proximal end of hum/bone that forms a ball and socket joint with the scapula’s glenoid cavity

greater/lesser tubercles (humerus)

bony projections on proximal end of humerus, serve as muscle attachment points

lateral and medial epicondyles (humerus)

projections on the distal end of the humerus that serve as muscle + tendon attachment pts

olecranon fossa (humerus)

large, deep, triangular depression in the back of the humerus bone that accommodates the olecranon of the ulna when arm is fully extended

coronoid fossa (humerus)

a small depression in the humerus, receives coronoid process of ulna when elbow is flexed

capitulum (humerus)

rounded knob of bone found on lateral, distal end of the humerus that articulates with the head of the radius

trochlea (humerus)

smooth projection found on the medial, distal end of the humerus that articulates with the ulna

Radius

a long bone in the forearm that runs from the elbow to the wrist and is located on the thumb side of the arm

head of radius

thick, disc-shaped proximal end of radius

radial tuberosity

a bony prominence on the upper parts of the radius that serves as biceps tendon attachment point

Ulna

a long bone in the forearm that runs from the elbow to the wrist and is located on the pinky side of the arm

Olecranon process (ulna)

a large, bony projection on the proximal, posterior end of the ulna that allows the forearm to flex and extend +prevent hyperextension

Coronoid process (Ulna)

bony, triangular prominence on the proximal part of the ulna that stabilizes elbow joint and prevents hyperflexion

styloid process (ulna)

a bony bump on distal end of ulna that serves as attachment pt for ligaments that stabilize the wrist joint

carpals (hands)

arranged in two rows and held together by ligaments; allow the wrist to move up, down, and rotate

metacarpals

bones in hand which connect wrist bones to fingers

phalanges

bones in finger that help w/ fine manipulation. 14 in each hand; thumb has 2 and others have 3 (proximal, middle, distal)

pelvic gridle

bony ring that connects lower limbs to the vertebral column and supports upper body’s weight

acetabulum (pelvic girdle)

a cup shaped socket in hip bone that forms the hip joint with the femur head

ilium (pelvic girdle)

fan shaped bone that sits on the upper and outer part of the PG essential for supporting spine+bearing weight

ischium (PG)

key part of hip joint, important role in balance, standing up, leg mobility, lifting. bears most of body’s weight when sitting

pubis

helps pelvis absorb shock when moving

pubis symphysis

joint located btwn left and right pelvic bones that helps the pelvis absorb weight from upper body and separates pelvic bones for childbirth

sacroilliac joint (btwn sacro,iliac)

joint that connects sacrum and ilium bones of the pelvis to spine; gives stability + transfer weight and forces btwn upper body and lower limbs

obturator foramen

large opening in the pelvic girdle that allows nerves+blood vessels to pass from pelvis into thigh

femur

thigh bone. supports body weight, stabilizes body, enables movement

femur head

rounded, proximal end of the femur that connects to the pelvic girdle to form the hip joint

femur neck

short, constricted bone that connects the head and body of the femur

greater trochanter (femur)

serves as attachment site for muscles that move and stabilize hip joint

lesser trochanter (femur)

attachment site for muscles that are needed for hip flexion

medial/lateral condyles (femur)

distal end of femur, form parts of knee joint, absorb shock, support body weight + help prevent patellar dislocation

medial/lateral epicondyles (femur)

found on distal femur ends, attachment pts for knee joint ligaments

intercondylar fossa (femur)

stabilizes knee by housing several important ligaments needed to stabilize knee joint

patella

attachment pt for the quadriceps tendon and the patellar ligaments, protects the front of the knee from injury + helps knee move and ensures that muscles, tendons, ligaments work tg properly

tibia

supports bodys weight when standing or moving. works w fibula to stabilize the knee and ankle joints

intercondylar eminence (tibia)

bony structure on proximal end that separated the medial.laterl condyles, servs as main att pt for knees ligaments

Medial Malleolus -

part of the distal tibia, provides stability to the ankle joint— serving
as the attachment point for ligaments, preventing excessive inward rolling of the foot and maintaining proper alignment of the ankle joint

Fibula -

produces stability and structure of the ankle and calf, and supports the muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments in the leg 

fibula head

proximal end, at pt for muscles/ligaments

lateral malleolus (fibula)

on the distal end, forms outside of the ankle that helps stabilize ankle joint + direct ankle motion

Tarsals (7)   

- responsible for stability, movement, and weight distribution

Calcaneus -

attachment point for the Achilles tendon allowing the foot to flex and extend; transfers the body's weight from the lower limb to the ground while standing or walking.         

Metatarsals (5)

- essential for walking and weight-bearing and provide stability, allow for
complex foot movements

Phalanges -

the bones in the toes that help with balance, walking, and running. There are 14  phalanges in each foot; the big toe has two phalanges, while the other toes each have three  (proximal, middle, and distal)