Basics of Osteology and Axial Skeleton

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing basic osteology, tissue types, bone classifications, bone cells, cartilages, microscopic compact bone structure, and axial skeleton anatomy.

Osteology

The study of the structure and function of the skeleton and bony structures.

Compact bone tissue

A type of osseous tissue characterized by a dense structure, found in the diaphysis of most tubular bones such as the femur and humerus.

Spongy bone tissue

A type of osseous tissue found in the epiphysis of most tubular bones, bodies of irregular bones, and some flat bones.

Structure of a long bone

Includes a proximal epiphysis, diaphysis, and distal epiphysis, along with features such as compact bone, spongy bone, articular cartilage, epiphyseal line, periosteum, and medullary cavity.

Long bones

A gross anatomical classification of bones that includes the femur, tibia, fibula, and ulna.

Short bones

A gross anatomical classification of bones that includes the tarsals and carpals.

Flat bones

A gross anatomical classification of bones that includes the bones of the skull.

Irregular bones

A gross anatomical classification of bones that includes the vertebrae, sacrum, and sphenoid.

Gross anatomical classification of cartilages

The classification of cartilages including articular cartilages, laryngeal cartilages, nasal cartilages, costal cartilages, tracheal and bronchial cartilages, intervertebral discs, and external ear cartilage.

Osteon

The structural unit of compact bone that includes the central (Haversian) canal, osteocytes, lacunae, concentric lamellae, canaliculi, and perforating (Volkmann's) canals.

Osteoblast

A bone cell that secretes the matrix for bone formation.

Osteocyte

A bone cell formed when an osteoblast becomes embedded in the matrix it has secreted.

Osteoprogenitor cell

The stem cells of bone that divide and form osteoblasts.

Osteoclast

A large multinucleated bone cell which absorbs bone tissue during growth and healing.

Cranium

The 8 bones of the skull, consisting of unpaired bones (Frontal, Sphenoid, Ethmoid, Occipital) and paired bones (Parietal, Temporal).

Facial bones

The 14 bones of the face, consisting of unpaired bones (Mandible, Vomer) and paired bones (Maxilla, Lacrimal bone, Palatine bone, Zygomatic bone, Nasal bone, Inferior Nasal Conchae).

Vertebral column regions

The 5 regions of the vertebral column: Cervical region ($C_1 - C_7$), Thoracic region ($T_1 - T_{12}$), Lumbar region ($L_1 - L_5$), Sacrum, and Coccyx.

Sternum

A component of the thoracic cage consisting of three parts: Manubrium, Body (gladiolus), and Xiphoid process.

Ribs

Components of the thoracic cage categorized as True ribs, False ribs, and Floating ribs.