Skeletal System Gross Anatomy

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the skeletal system's gross anatomy.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the bones of the limbs and girdles.

Long bone

A bone that is longer than it is wide, such as the femur or thighbone.

Short bone

A bone that is roughly cube-shaped, like the carpal bones in the wrist.

Flat bone

A bone that is thin and flat, like the occipital bone from the base of the skull.

Irregular bone

A bone with a complex shape that doesn't fit into other categories, such as the sphenoid bone.

Pectoral girdle

The structure formed by the clavicle and scapula, connecting the upper limb to the trunk.

Pelvic girdle

The structure formed by the hip bones and sacrum, connecting the lower limbs to the trunk.

Sacroiliac joint

The joint between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis.

Subpubic angle

The angle formed below the pubic symphysis, significant in distinguishing male and female pelvises.

Metatarsal bones

The five long bones in the foot that connect the tarsal bones to the phalanges.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers and toes.

Tarsal bones

The seven bones that make up the posterior part of the foot.

Greater sciatic notch

An indentation in the pelvic bone that allows nerves and blood vessels to pass to the lower limb.

Ischial tuberosity

The bony protrusion on the ischium that bears body weight when sitting.

Femur

The longest bone in the body, located in the thigh.

Patella

The kneecap, which protects the knee joint.