Unit 5 - Bones of the Appendicular System

clavicle

connects scapula to breastbone; forms part of pectoral girdle

scapula

connects clavicle to humerus; forms part of pectoral girdle

acromion process

bony projection of the scapula

glenoid cavity

a shallow depression that articulates with the head of the humerus

coracoid process

a hook-shaped bone projection on the scapula that helps stabilize the shoulder joint

humerus

long bone in upper arm

humerus head

the proximal end of the humerus bone that forms a ball and socket joint with the scapula's glenoid cavity

greater & lesser tubercles

bony projections on the proximal end of the humerus that serve as attachment points for muscles

lateral and medial epicondyles

bony projections on the humerus that serve as attachment points for muscles and tendons

olecranon fossa

a large, deep, triangular depression in the back of the humerus bone that accommodates the olecranon of the ulna when the arm is fully extended

coronoid fossa

a small depression in the humerus that receives the coronoid process of the ulna when the elbow is flexed

capitulum

rounded knob of bone found on lateral, distal end of the humerus that articulates with the head of the radius

trochlea

Smooth projection found on the medial, distal end of the humerus that articulates with the ulna

radius

a long bone in the forearm that runs from the elbow to the wrist and is located on the thumb side of the arm

radius head

thick, disc-shaped proximal end of the radius

radial tuberosity

a bony prominence on the upper part of the radius bone that serves as the attachment point for the biceps tendon

ulna

a long bone in the forearm that runs from the elbow to the wrist and is located on the pinky side of the arm

olecranon process

a large, bony projection on the proximal, posterior end of the ulna that allows the forearm to flex and extend and prevent hyperextension

coronoid process

a bony, triangular prominence on the proximal part of the ulna that stabilizes the elbow joint and prevents hyperflexion

styloid process

a bony bump on the distal end of the ulna that serves as an attachment point for ligaments that stabilize the wrist joint

carpals

(8) arranged in two rows and are held together by ligaments; the carpals allow the wrist to move up and down and rotate

metacarpals

(5) bones in the human hand that connect the wrist bones to the fingers

phalanges (hand)

the bones in the fingers that help with fine manipulation. There are 14 phalanges in each hand; the thumb has two phalanges, while the other fingers each have three (proximal, middle, and distal)

pelvic girdle

a bony ring that connects the lower limbs to the vertebral column and supports the upper body's weight

acetabulum

a cup-shaped socket in the hip bone that forms the hip joint with the head of the femur

ilium

fan-shaped bone that sits on the upper and outer part of the pelvic girdle essential for supporting the spine and bearing weight

ischium

key part of the hip joint, and plays an important role in balance, standing up, leg mobility, and lifting. Bears most of the body's weight when sitting. Pubis - helps the pelvis absorb shock when moving

pubis

helps the pelvis absorb shock when moving

pubis symphysis

a joint located between the left and right pelvic bones that helps the pelvis absorb weight from the upper body and separates the pelvic bones for childbirth

sacroiliac joint

(between sacrum and iliac) the joint that connects the sacrum and ilium bones of the pelvis to the spine; provides stability and transfer weight and forces between the upper body and lower limbs

obturator foramen

large opening in the pelvic girdle that allows the nerves and blood vessels to pass from the pelvis into the thigh

femur

the thigh bone; responsible for supporting body weight, stabilizing the body, and enabling movement

femur head

the rounded, proximal end of the femur that connects to the pelvic girdle to form the hip joint

femur neck

the short, constricted bone that connects the head and body of the femur

greater trochanter

serves as an attachment site for muscles that move and stabilize the hip joint

lesser trochanter

serves as an attachment site for the muscles that are needed for hip flexion

medial & lateral condyles

found at distal end of femur, form parts of knee joint absorb shock, support body weight and help prevent patellar dislocation

medial and lateral epicondyles

found on distal ends of the femur, attachment points for knee joint ligaments

intercondylar fossa

stabilizes the knee by housing several important ligaments needed to stabilize the knee joint

patella

attachment point for the quadriceps tendon and the patellar ligaments, protects the front of the knee joint from injury and helps the knee move and ensures that the muscles, tendons, and ligaments work together properly

tibia

supports the body's weight when standing or moving; works with the fibula to stabilize the knee and ankle joints

intercondylar eminence

a bony structure on the proximal end tibia that separates the medial and lateral condyles, and serves as the main attachment point for the knee's ligaments

medial malleolus

part of the distal tibia, provides stability to the ankle joint by serving as the attachment point for ligaments, preventing excessive inward rolling of the foot and maintaining proper alignment of the ankle joint

fibula

produces stability and structure of the ankle and calf, and supports the muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments in the leg

fibula head

found at proximal end of fibula; serves as attachment point for several muscles/ligaments

lateral malleolus

on the distal end, forms the outside of the ankle that helps stabilize the ankle joint and direct ankle motion

tarsals

(7) responsible for stability, movement, and weight distribution

calcaneus

attachment point for the Achilles tendon allowing the foot to flex and extend; transfers the body's weight from the lower limb to the ground while standing or walking

metatarsals

(5) essential for walking and weight-bearing and provide stability, allow for complex foot movements

phalanges (foot)

the bones in the toes that help with balance, walking, and running. There are 14 phalanges in each foot; the big toe has two phalanges, while the other toes each have three (proximal, middle, and distal)