Bones and Joints of the Appendicular and Axial Skeleton

These flashcards cover the key concepts, terms, and definitions related to the bones and joints of the appendicular and axial skeleton.

Appendicular Skeleton

Part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the thoracic limb and pelvic limb.

Thoracic Limb

The forelimb of an animal, including the shoulder girdle, arm, forearm, and forepaw.

Pelvic Limb

The hindlimb of an animal, including the pelvic girdle, thigh, leg, and hindpaw.

Scapula

A large, flat, triangular bone also known as the shoulder blade, forming part of the shoulder girdle.

Humerus

The largest bone of the thoracic limb that articulates with the scapula to form the shoulder joint.

Radius

A shorter and more massive bone located on the medial side of the forearm.

Ulna

A longer and slender bone positioned laterally to the radius in the forearm.

Carpals

The group of seven short bones arranged in two rows, forming the carpus (wrist) area.

Metacarpals

Five long bones of the forelimb located between the carpals and the phalanges.

Phalanges

Bones that form the digits of the forepaw, including proximal, middle, and distal phalanges.

Coxofemoral Joint

A ball-and-socket joint between the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the os coxae.

Stifle Joint

A compound joint in the hindlimb formed by the femur, patella, and tibia, allowing for flexion and extension.

Tarsal Joints

Hinge type synovial joints in the hindlimb that allow for flexion and extension, located between the tibia/fibula and tarsal bones.

Ligaments

Tough bands of connective tissue that stabilize joints by connecting bones to other bones.

Vestigial Bone

A bone that is reduced in size and function, such as the clavicle in dogs.

Olecranon Process

The prominent bony point of the ulna that forms the elbow.

Radial Nerve Paralysis

A condition characterized by the inability to extend the forelimb due to injury or damage to the radial nerve.

Elbow Dysplasia

A developmental condition in heavier breeds of dogs leading to instability of the elbow joint.

Osteochondrosis

A failure of cartilage maturation, often seen in joints like the humeral head.

Acetabulum

The concavity of os coxae that articulates with the head of the femur.

Sesamoid Bones

Small bones embedded within tendons, such as the fabellae found in the muscles of the thigh.

Calcaneus

The heel bone in the tarsal region, forming the posterior part of the tarsal joint.