Skeletal System - Year 9 Vocabulary Flashcards

VOCABULARY flashcards covering skeletal system concepts: bone types, major bones, spinal regions, and key functions from the notes.

Skeletal system

The body system made up of bones and joints that supports structure, protects organs, enables movement, Produces blood cells, and stores minerals.

Framework

One of the five main functions of the skeletal system; provides the body with its structure.

Movement

Bones act as levers for muscles to produce movement.

Protection

The skeleton protects vital organs (e.g., skull shields the brain, rib cage shields the heart and lungs).

Production of blood cells

Bone marrow produces red and white blood cells (and platelets).

Mineral storage

Bones store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus to help maintain bone strength and mineral balance.

Long bones

Bones longer than wide with a shaft containing marrow (e.g., femur, humerus).

Short bones

Cube-like bones with similar length and width (e.g., carpals, tarsals).

Flat bones

Bones with flat surfaces for muscle attachment and protection (e.g., skull bones, sternum).

Irregular bones

Bones with complex shapes not fitting other categories (e.g., vertebrae).

Sesamoid bones

Bones that develop within tendons; the patella is a common example.

Humerus

The upper arm bone; runs from shoulder to elbow.

Radius

Forearm bone on the thumb side; runs parallel to the ulna.

Ulna

Forearm bone on the little finger side; forms part of the elbow joint with the humerus.

Carpals

Eight small bones forming the wrist.

Metacarpals

Five bones of the hand between the wrist and fingers.

Phalanges (hand)

Bones of the fingers.

Femur

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

Patella

Kneecap; a sesamoid bone within the tendon of the quadriceps.

Tibia

Shin bone; the larger bone of the lower leg.

Fibula

Smaller bone of the lower leg; located on the outer side of the leg.

Calcaneum

Heel bone; largest bone in the foot’s tarsal group.

Tarsals

Seven bones forming the ankle.

Metatarsals

Five bones of the foot between the tarsals and phalanges.

Cranium

The skull; houses the brain.

Mandible

Lower jaw bone.

Clavicle

Collarbone; connects the sternum to the scapula.

Scapula

Shoulder blade; part of the shoulder girdle.

Sternum

Breastbone; central chest bone to which ribs attach.

Ribs

Bones forming the rib cage that protect thoracic organs.

Pelvis

Hip bone; supports the lower body and protects pelvic organs.

Cervical vertebrae

The seven vertebrae in the neck region of the spine.

Thoracic vertebrae

Vertebrae in the mid-back to which ribs attach.

Lumbar vertebrae

Vertebrae in the lower back region.

Sacrum

Triangular bone at the base of the spine formed by fused sacral vertebrae.

Coccyx

Tailbone at the end of the spine.

Bone marrow

Tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.

Bone density

Measurement of mineral matter in bone; higher density means stronger bones.

Bone cells

Cells that form and maintain bone tissue (e.g., osteoblasts/osteocytes/osteoclasts).