Bone general functions

Radioulna

A single, fused bone that helps support and move the forelimb.

Sphenethmoid

Protects the front part of the brain and supports the skull structure.

Vomer

Helps separate the left and right sides of the nasal cavity; part of the mouth roof.

Maxilla

Holds the upper teeth and helps form the face.

Orbit

The bony eye socket that protects and supports the eyeball.

Squamosal

Contributes to the side of the skull and the jaw joint.

Stapes

Tiny bone that carries sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Quadrate

Connects the lower jaw to the skull; helps in jaw movement.

Otic capsule

Encases and protects the inner ear structures.

Clavicle

Acts as a brace to hold the shoulder away from the chest; supports arm movement.

Humerus

Main bone of the upper arm; connects shoulder to elbow.

Coracoid

Helps anchor the arm to the body; part of the shoulder support.

Vertebral arch of trunk vertebra

Protects the spinal cord behind the vertebral body.

Articular process

Bony parts that help vertebrae lock together and form joints.

Urostyle

Rod-like bone that helps strengthen and support the pelvis in amphibians.

Premaxilla

Holds the front upper teeth; helps form the snout.

External nostril

Openings for air to enter the nasal passages

Nasal

Forms part of the upper nose and helps protect nasal passages.

Pterygoid

Supports the palate and helps strengthen the skull.

Phalanges

The finger and toe bones that allow bending and gripping.

Metacarpals

Hand bones that connect the wrist to the fingers.

Quadratojugal

Small bone helping stabilize the jaw joint.

Carpals

The small wrist bones that allow hand movement.

Frontoparietal

Protects the top and sides of the brain; covers the braincase.

Exoccipital

Helps form the back and lower sides of the skull; surrounds the spinal cord opening.

Foramen magnum

Big hole at the skull base where the spinal cord passes through.

Suprascapula

Adds surface area for muscles to attach above the shoulder blade.

Transverse process

Side projections from vertebrae where muscles attach.

Spinous process

Rear projection on vertebrae for muscle attachment; forms the backbone ridge.

Sacral vertebra

Connects the spine to the hips; helps support body weight.

Femur

The thigh bone; supports walking and jumping.

Distal tarsals

Small ankle bones closer to the toes; help foot flexibility.

Ischium

Rear part of the pelvis; supports sitting and leg attachment.

Tibiofibula

Fused shin bones in frogs; supports jumping and landing.

Proximal tarsals

Larger ankle bones near the leg; help transfer weight to the foot.

Calcaneus

The heel bone; provides leverage for walking.

Astragalus

Main ankle bone that helps foot bend upward and downward.

Prehallux

Small extra bone near the foot; may help in digging or support.

Metatarsals

Foot bones connecting the ankle to the toes.

Phalanges

Toe bones for walking, balance, and gripping.