Human Skeleton and Vertebral Anatomy

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to human skeletal anatomy.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the limbs and girdles (shoulders and pelvic).

Cranium

The bony structure of the skull that houses and protects the brain.

Sutures

Joints between the bones of the skull that are immovable.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled spaces within the bones of the skull that reduce weight and resonate during sound production.

Hyoid Bone

A U-shaped bone in the neck that does not articulate directly with any other bone.

Vertebral Column

A series of vertebrae that encloses and protects the spinal cord.

Intervertebral Discs

Structures that act as shock absorbers between vertebrae.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The five vertebrae in the lower back, characterized by a larger body.

Sacrum

A triangular bone at the base of the spine formed by the fusion of five vertebrae.

Clavicle

A bone that connects the arm to the body, commonly called the collarbone.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers and toes.

Femur

The thigh bone, which is the longest bone in the human body.

Tarsals

The seven bones that make up the ankle.

Metacarpals

The five bones that form the middle part of the hand.

Metatarsals

The five bones that form the middle part of the foot.

Humerus

The long bone in the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.

Radius

One of the two bones of the forearm, located on the thumb side and articulating with the humerus and carpals.

Ulna

One of the two bones of the forearm, located on the pinky finger side and forming the elbow joint.

Tibia

The larger and stronger of the two lower leg bones, commonly known as the shin bone.

Fibula

The slender bone located lateral to the tibia in the lower leg.

Patella

The kneecap, a small, triangular bone that protects the knee joint.

Sternum

The flat bone located in the center of the chest, connecting the ribs via cartilage.

Pectoral Girdle

The set of bones connecting the upper limbs to the axial skeleton, consisting of the clavicle and scapula.