FOUN005 Human Biology: The Skeletal System

Vocabulary practice cards based on the skeletal system lecture, including bone anatomy, functions, and joint structures.

Functions of the skeleton

The five main functions are support, protection, movement, blood cell production, and mineral storage.

Red bone marrow

A soft connective tissue found within bones that produces all blood cell lineages (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).

Mineral Storage

The skeleton stores essential minerals such like calcium and phosphorus which can be released for use by the body.

Axial skeleton

A division of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column (spine), sternum, and rib cage (thorax) with the primary role of protection and support.

Appendicular skeleton

A division of the skeleton including the upper and lower limbs, shoulder (pectoral) girdle, and pelvic girdle, with the primary role of movement.

Bone

A specialised connective tissue consisting of cellular components called osteocytes and an extracellular matrix of collagen fibres and calcium phosphate.

Collagen Fibres

Components of the bone extracellular matrix that provide strength and flexibility, allowing bone to withstand bending and stretching.

Calcium Phosphate

A component of the bone extracellular matrix that makes bone hard and rigid, allowing it to resist compression and weight-bearing forces.

Lamellae

Thin layers into which the extracellular matrix (ECM) of bone is organised, surrounding central channels for capillaries, nerves, and lymph vessels.

Cartilage

A type of connective tissue associated with the skeleton that contains more collagen and lacks calcium phosphate, making it more flexible than bone.

Long bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide with enlarged uniquely shaped ends, designed for movement and weight-bearing (e.g., femur, humerus).

Epiphysis (Head)

The enlarged ends of a long bone with a bulbous shape to increase surface area for muscle attachment.

Diaphysis (Shaft)

The central, long part of a long bone.

Periosteum

A dense connective tissue membrane covering the outer surface of the bone that provides an attachment point for tendons and muscles.

Compact Bone

Tightly packed bone tissue forming a hard outer shell; it is especially thick in the diaphysis to withstand stress and weight-bearing.

Spongy (Cancellous) Bone

A porous bone lattice located mainly in the epiphyses that reduces bone weight, absorbs shock, and houses red bone marrow.

Marrow Cavity

The central cavity inside the shaft (diaphysis) which contains yellow marrow.

Yellow marrow

Tissue found in the marrow cavity that consists mostly of fat and is used for energy storage.

Cervical vertebrae

The region of the vertebral column located in the neck, consisting of $7$ vertebrae.

Thoracic vertebrae

The region of the vertebral column located in the chest, consisting of $12$ vertebrae.

Lumbar vertebrae

The region of the vertebral column located in the lower back, consisting of $5$ vertebrae.

Sacrum

A region of the vertebral column consisting of $5$ fused vertebrae.

Coccyx

The tailbone region of the vertebral column, consisting of $4$ fused vertebrae.

Vertebral body (centrum)

The part of a vertebra that supports the weight of the body.

Vertebral foramen (neural canal)

The space within a vertebra that protects the spinal cord.

Transverse process and neural spine

Structures on a vertebra used for muscle attachment.

Intervertebral discs

Structures made of cartilage located between vertebrae that provide flexibility and shock absorption.

Synovial joints

The most complex and freely movable joints, mostly found between bones in the appendicular skeleton.

Joint capsule

A casing surrounding the joint, continuous with the periosteum, that helps bind the bone ends together.

Synovial membrane

A moist slippery membrane inner to the joint capsule that secretes synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid

Fluid that lubricates inner joint surfaces to reduce friction during movement and help with shock absorption.

Articular cartilage

Cartilage covering the ends of bones where they meet, acting as a shock absorber and reducing friction.

Ligaments

Fibrous tissue that links bone to bone to stabilise joints.

Tendons

Fibrous tissue that links muscle to bone to enable movement.