Chapter 7: The Skeleton

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Chapter 7 lecture notes covering skeletal organization, skull anatomy, vertebral column, thoracic cage, and appendicular structures.

Axial Skeleton

→ Forms the central axis of the body

→ Skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage

Appendicular Skeleton

→ Limbs and the girdles that attach them to the

axial skeleton

→ Pectoral girdle + upper limbs

→ Pelvic girdle + lower limbs

Cranial Bones

Enclose and protect the brain

Facial Bones

→ Form the framework of the face

→ Support structures involved in breathing, eating, and special senses

Sutures

fibrous joints that connect the bones of the skull

Coronal Suture

between the frontal and parietal bones

Sagittal Suture

between the right and left parietal bones

Lambdoid Suture

between the parietal and occipital bones

Squamous Suture

between the parietal and temporal bones

Vertebral Column

a flexible column of bones called vertebrae that extends from the skull to the pelvis.

Scoliosis

abnormal side-to-side curvature

Kyphosis

An excessive thoracic curvature

Lordosis

excessive lumbar curvature

Vertebral Foramen

Opening through which the spinal cord passes

Spinous Process

Projects posteriorly

Transverse Processes

Projects laterally

Articular Processes

Form joints with adjacent vertebrae

Atlas (C1)

→ Supports the skull

→ Allows the “yes” nodding movement

Axis (C2)

→ Contains the dens — a tooth-like projection

→ C1 and the head rotate around the dens

→ Allows the “no” movement

Intervertebral Discs

pads of fibrocartilage strong cartilage that withstands pressure located between most vertebrae.

Function of intervertebral discs

→ Absorb shock

→ Allow slight movement between vertebrae

→ Help distribute pressure along the spine

Annulus Fibrosus

Tough outer ring

Nucleus Pulposus

Soft, gel-like center

Herniated Disc

occurs when the soft inner material pushes through a damaged or weakened area of the outer ring.

Malleoli

the bony bumps on each side of the ankle