Anatomy and Physiology: Human Skeletal System

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering anatomical terminology, skeletal classification, cartilage types, bone tissue structures, marrow types, and bone cell types based on lecture notes.

Palpate

To touch or examine a body structure physically, such as feeling a node or knobby feature.

Nasal Skeleton

The structural frame of the nose supported at the back and bridge by bone organs (specifically the ethmoid bone and vomer) and in the front by cartilage tissue.

Adult Skeletal Components

The human skeleton consists of $208$ bone organs and $12$ locations where cartilage tissue can still be found in adults.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function. The $4$ basic tissue types are Epitheal, connective, muscle, and nervous.

Organ

A large structure composed of two or more different tissue types working together; for example, a bone is an organ because it contains multiple tissues.

Anatomy

The study of the physical shape, form, and structural relationships of body parts.

Physiology

The study of the dynamic function of the body and how its parts work.

Principle of Complementarity

The anatomical principle stating that what a structure is able to do (its function) depends directly on its form (its structure).

Long Bone

A bone classification shape defined as being longer than it is wide, such as the clavicle or humerus.

Flat Bone

A bone classification shape defined as flattened and possibly curved, such as skull bones or the sternum.

Short Bone

A bone classification shape defined as cubed-shaped, such as an ankle bone.

Irregular Bone

A bone classification shape for complex structures that do not fit other shape categories, such as vertebrae (spine bones).

Axial Bones

Bones located directly along the central middle axis of the body.

Appendicular Bones

Bones that attach to the middle of the body, including arm and leg bones, but excluding the skull.

Neurocranium

The skull bones that encase and protect the brain.

Viscerocranium

The jaw bones and facial structure that lead into the digestive tract.

Six Functions of the Skeletal System

The key functions of bones: protecting internal organs, storing and releasing fat, producing blood cells, storing and releasing minerals, facilitating movement, and supporting the body.

Yellow Marrow

Marrow stored in the medullary cavity and hollowed areas of long bones that functions to store and release fat (adipose tissue / triglycerides).

Red Marrow

Marrow located within spongy bone and short bones responsible for producing blood cells.

Compact Bone

Dense, heavy bone tissue structured as tightly packed osteons along the outer edges of bones to provide strength.

Spongy Bone

Lighter bone tissue with a scaffolding-like structure featuring gaps filled with red marrow, located throughout the middle of flat/short/irregular bones and at the ends of long bones.

Periosteum

The double-layered membrane covering the outside of a bone, consisting of an outer Fibrous layer and an inner Osteogenic (cellular) layer.

Fibrous Layer of Periosteum

The outer layer of the periosteum containing collagen fibers that blend with tendons and ligaments to anchor them to bone.

Osteogenic Layer

The inner cellular layer of the periosteum.

Endosteum

The membrane lining the inside cavities and surfaces of a long bone.

Articular Cartilage

Cartilage covering the ends of bones at joints to help facilitate smooth gliding.

Diaphysis

The main elongated shaft of a long bone.

Epiphysis

The expanded terminal end of a long bone.

Metaphysis

The region of a long bone where the shaft (diaphysis) meets the expanded end (epiphysis).

Epiphyseal Plate

A plate located in the metaphysis of a long bone that aids in growth.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most abundant type of skeletal cartilage; it resembles frosted glass and provides support with flexibility and resilience.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage resembling hyaline cartilage but containing more stretchy elastic fibers, located only in the external ear and epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage consisting of roughly parallel rows of chondrocytes alternating with thick collagen fibers where toughness is needed.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that secrete bone matrix.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that occupy lacunae conforming to their shape.

Osteoclasts

Giant, multinucleate cells located at sites of bone resorption.

Osteon

The fundamental structural unit of compact bone.

Stored Bone Substances

Triglycerides (fat) stored in yellow marrow and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus stored in bone tissue.

BIO 107 Motto

The course motto: Show up and be prepared.