Anatomy 1571/020 - The Skeletal and Musculoskeletal Systems

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the skeletal and musculoskeletal systems.

Axial Skeleton

Consists of 80 bones that form the central part of the skeleton, including the skull and vertebral column.

Appendicular Skeleton

Includes 126 bones of the upper and lower limbs and the pelvic girdle.

Long Bones

Bones greater in length than width, such as the femur and humerus, primarily composed of compact bone.

Short Bones

Cube-shaped bones, nearly equal in length and width, such as carpals and tarsals.

Flat Bones

Thin, flattened bones that provide protection and muscle attachment, including cranial bones, sternum, and ribs.

Irregular Bones

Bones with complex shapes that cannot be classified as long, short, or flat, such as vertebrae and facial bones.

Sesamoid Bones

Bones that develop within tendons due to tension or stress, such as the patella.

Sutures

Fibrous joints in the skull where bones are joined together; their number can vary by individual.

Processes

Projections on bones that serve as attachment points for muscles or ligaments.

Vertebral Column

Composed of 33 vertebrae in early development, reduced to 26 in adults; segments include cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

Cranial Bones

Eight bones forming the protective case for the brain, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.

Hyoid Bone

A unique bone in the axial skeleton that does not articulate with any other bone and supports the tongue.

Pelvic Girdle

Consists of two hip bones that support the vertebral column and attach the lower limbs to the axial skeleton.

Synovial Joints

Joints with a synovial cavity, allowing for free movement, classified into several types including hinge, ball-and-socket, and pivot.

Fibrous Joints

Joints with no synovial cavity in which bones are held together by dense irregular connective tissue.

Cartilaginous Joints

Joints where bones are connected by cartilage, allowing for limited movement.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.

Arthritis

A disorder causing inflammation of joints and deterioration of cartilage.

Function of the Skeleton

Provides support, facilitates movement, protects internal organs, stores minerals, and produces blood cells.