Functions and Anatomy of the Skeletal System

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the functions, anatomy, and disorders of the skeletal system.

Functions of the Skeletal System

1) Support: Provides structural framework; 2) Protection: Surrounds vital organs; 3) Movement: Muscles use bones as levers; 4) Hematopoiesis: Blood cell production in red bone marrow; 5) Storage: Stores calcium, phosphorus, and fat.

Epiphysis

The end of a long bone.

Periosteum

Protective covering of bone that contains vessels, nerves, and tendon attachment sites.

Articular cartilage

Smooth cartilage covering epiphyses of bones.

Compact Bone

Dense and strong bone type composed of osteons, with osteocytes sitting in lacunae around central canals.

Spongy Bone

Bone that contains trabeculae, perforated tissue with connecting rods and plates, and houses red marrow.

Osteoprogenitor cells

Cells that become osteoblasts.

Osteoblasts

Bone-building cells.

Osteocytes

Cells that break down bone.

Bone Aging

Bone mass declines starting in the 50s; osteoclast activity increases.

Compare Bone, Cartilage, Ligaments, Tendons

Bones provide support; cartilage offers flexibility; ligaments connect bones; tendons attach muscles to bones.

Synovial Joints

Joints that allow for movement; types include ball and socket, hinge, pivot, gliding, and saddle joints.

Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, inversion, eversion, supination, pronation, plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, circumduction, rotation, protraction, and retraction.

Types of Joint Movements

Axial Skeleton

Composed of 80 bones including the vertebral column, ribcage, and hyoid bone.

Appendicular Skeleton

Composed of 126 bones including arms, legs, pectoral girdle, and pelvic girdle.

Skull Anatomy

Distinction between cranium and facial bones; key bones include frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.

Common Skeletal Disorders

Osteoporosis, arthritis (osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis), herniated disk, scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.