Chapter 8 The Appendicular Skeleton

These flashcards cover the key concepts and vocabulary related to the appendicular skeleton, including the bones and functional roles of the pectoral and pelvic girdles, as well as the bones of the upper and lower limbs.

Pectoral Girdle

Composed of clavicle and scapula, anchors upper limbs to thoracic cage.

Pelvic Girdle

Composed of hip bones, anchors lower limbs to vertebral column.

Ossification

The process of bone formation from cartilage or mesenchyme.

Epiphyseal Plate

Hyaline cartilage plate in the metaphysis at the ends of long bones, responsible for lengthening.

Interphalangeal Joints

Joints between adjacent phalanges of the fingers and toes.

Clavicle

An anterior bone connecting the sternum to the scapula, acts as a strut for the shoulder.

Scapula

A flat, triangular bone on the posterior shoulder, part of the pectoral girdle.

Femur

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

Tibia

The medial and larger bone of the lower leg, supports weight.

Fibula

The lateral bone of the lower leg, non-weight-bearing, provides muscle attachment.

Carpal Tunnel

A passageway in the wrist containing tendons and the median nerve.

Metatarsals

Five long bones in the foot forming the arch and palm.

Acetabulum

The deep lateral socket of the hip bone for the femoral head.

Ischium

The posteroinferior portion of the hip bone, important for weight support when sitting.

Pubis

The anteromedial portion of the hip bone, contributing to the pelvic structure.

Halux

The big toe, which has two phalanges.

Pelvic Brim

The boundary separating the greater (false) pelvis from the lesser (true) pelvis.