Skeletal System Review Flashcards

Flashcards for key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the skeletal system.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the girdles and limbs.

Osteology

The study of bones.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cells, primarily occurs in the red marrow.

Long Bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide and include the femur and tibia.

Short Bones

Cube-like bones that provide stability and support with some motion; e.g., carpals and tarsals.

Flat Bones

Thin, curved bones that serve as points of attachment for muscles and protect internal organs; e.g., sternum and ribs.

Irregular Bones

Bones with complex shapes that protect internal organs and provide support; e.g., vertebrae and facial bones.

Epiphyseal Plate

The area of growing tissue near the ends of the long bones in children.

Periosteum

The outer double-layered structure covering bones, involved in their growth and repair.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells responsible for producing the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone-resorbing cells that break down bone tissue.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue.

Ligaments

Tough bands of tissue that hold bones together at joints.

Synovial Joint

A joint that is surrounded by a fibrous capsule and contains synovial fluid.

True Ribs

Ribs (1-7) that attach directly to the sternum.

False Ribs

Ribs (8-12) that do not attach directly to the sternum.

Floating Ribs

Ribs (11-12) that do not attach to the sternum at all.

Hyoid Bone

A U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.

Calcaneus

The heel bone, largest of the tarsal bones.

Tarsal Bones

The seven bones of the posterior half of the foot.

Metacarpal Bones

The five elongated bones in the palm of the hand.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers and toes.

Femur

The thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.

Patella

The kneecap, the largest sesamoid bone in the body.

Tibia

The shin bone, the main weight-bearing bone of the leg.

Fibula

The slender bone of the leg that lies alongside the tibia.

Carpal Bones

The bones that make up the wrist, arranged in two rows.

Shoulder Girdle

The structure consisting of the scapula and clavicle that connects the arm to the trunk.

Upper Limb

Includes the humerus, radius, and ulna, as well as the carpal, metacarpal, and phalange bones.

Lower Limb

Composed of the femur, tibia, fibula, tarsal, metatarsal, and phalange bones.

Cervical Vertebrae

The first seven vertebrae located in the neck.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The twelve vertebrae to which the ribs attach.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The five vertebrae in the lower back.

Sacral Vertebrae

Five fused vertebrae forming the sacrum.

Caudal Vertebrae

Variable vertebrae in the tail region.

Cartilage

A firm, flexible connective tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints.

Intervertebral Discs

Cartilaginous structures that provide cushioning between the vertebrae.

Sutures

Immovable joints found between the bones of the skull.

Cartilaginous Joint

A joint where bones are joined by cartilage.