Chapter 07 - The Skeleton

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 07 of the Human Anatomy & Physiology coursework related to the skeletal system.

What is the skeletal system composed of?

The skeletal system is composed of bones, cartilages, joints, and ligaments.

What are the two major divisions of the skeleton?

The two major divisions of the skeleton are the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

How many bones are in the axial skeleton?

The axial skeleton consists of 80 bones.

What are the three major regions of the axial skeleton?

The three major regions of the axial skeleton are the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

What are cranial bones?

Cranial bones enclose the brain in the cranial cavity and provide attachment sites for head and neck muscles.

What defines the cavities within the skull?

The skull contains the middle and internal ear cavities, nasal cavity, orbits for the eyeballs, and several sinuses.

What is the function of the vertebral column?

The vertebral column transmits weight from the trunk to the lower limbs, protects the spinal cord, and provides attachment points for the ribs and muscles.

What are the primary curvatures of the spine?

The primary curvatures of the spine are the thoracic and sacral curvatures.

What are true ribs?

True ribs are the first seven pairs of ribs that attach directly to the sternum by costal cartilages.

What distinguishes the female pelvic girdle from the male's?

The female pelvic girdle is wider, shallower, and rounder than the male's, adapted for childbearing.

What is the largest bone in the body?

The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the body.

What is the role of the hyoid bone?

The hyoid bone serves as a movable base for the tongue and is a site of attachment for muscles involved in swallowing and speech.

What are the features of the mandible?

The mandible is the largest and strongest facial bone, consisting of the body (chin) and two upright rami.

What are the main components of the upper limb skeleton?

The upper limb skeleton is made up of the humerus, radius, ulna, carpal bones, metacarpal bones, and phalanges.

What are the two primary functions of the pelvic girdle?

The pelvic girdle attaches lower limbs to the axial skeleton and supports pelvic organs.

What is a bimalleolar fracture?

A bimalleolar fracture is a fracture that occurs in the distal ends of both the tibia and fibula.

What is the structure of the foot?

The foot consists of tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges, with seven tarsal bones forming the posterior half.

What are the paranasal sinuses?

Paranasal sinuses are mucosa-lined, air-filled spaces formed from five skull bones that warm and humidify air.