Structure and Function of the Skeletal System and Study of the Bones

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, definitions, pronunciations, and descriptions of the human skeletal system.

Skeletal System

The physical foundation of the body, composed of bones, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Osteology

The study of bone

Os

The technical term for bone.

Bone Composition

Composed of $\frac{2}{3}$ mineral matter and $\frac{1}{3}$ organic matter.

Tendons

Structures that connect muscles to bones.

Ligaments

Structures that connect bones to other bones.

Joint

The point at which two or more bones are joined together.

Long Bones

Bones found in the arms and legs.

Flat Bones

Plate-shaped bones located in the skull, scapula, and sternum.

Irregular Bones

Bones found in the wrist, ankle, and spinal column (the back).

Clavicle

Collarbone; forms the area from the throat to the shoulder on the right and left side

Scapula

Shoulder blade; large, flat bone extending upward from the middle of the back, on the right and left side, to the joint, where it attaches to the clavicle

Humerus

Largest bone of the upper arm; extends from the elbow to the shoulder

Radius

Small bone on the thumb side of the lower arm or forearm

Ulna

Small bone on the little-finger side of the lower arm

Carpals

8 small bones held together by ligaments to form the wrist or carpus; include the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate

Metacarpals

5 long, thin bones that form the palm of the hand

Phalanges (Hand)

14 bones that form the digits or fingers; each finger has 3 phalanges, while the thumb has only 2

Proximal Phalanges (Hand)

5 small bones of finger closest to body.

Middle Phalanges (Hand)

4 bones (not in thumb) jointed to distal and proximal phalanges.

Distal Phalanges (Hand)

5 tiny bones at the tips of fingers; also known as digital.

Femur

Thigh bone; longest bone in the body

Patella

Kneecap; sits over the front of the knee joint

Tibia

Shinbone; inner and larger of the 2 lower leg bones, extending from the knee to the ankle

Fibula

Outer and narrower of the 2 lower leg bones, extending from the knee to the ankle

Talus

Anklebone; sits above the heel bone and forms the lower part of the ankle; talus, tibia and fibula form the ankle joint

Tarsals

7 bones that make up the mid-foot and rear foot, including talus, calcaneus (heel), navicular, 3 cuneiform bones and the cuboid

Metatarsals

5 long, slender bones (1 for each digit) that connect the phalanges to the tarsals

Phalanges (Foot)

14 bones that form the digits; 2 phalanges in the big toe and 3 in the 4 other toes

Proximal Phalanges (Foot)

5 small bones at base of toes.

Middle Phalanges (Foot)

4 small bones (not in big toe) jointed to distal and proximal phalanges.

Distal Phalanges (Foot)

5 small bones at tip of toes.

how many bones are in the adult human body?

206 bones

how many bones are in the baby body?

270 bones