Level 2: Ch. 7 – Skeletal System Vocabulary Review

A comprehensive set of skeletal-system vocabulary flashcards to aid exam review.

Skeletal system – functions

Framework, protection, movement, calcium storage, and blood cell production.

Osteoblast

Bone-building cell that forms new bone tissue.

Osteoclast

Bone-resorbing cell that breaks down bone tissue.

Collagen (in bone)

Fibrous protein that provides bone strength and slight flexibility.

Calcium salts

Mineral deposits that give bone its hardness.

Red bone marrow

Soft tissue that produces all blood cell types (hematopoiesis).

Blood-calcium homeostasis

Negative feedback control adjusting bone deposition and resorption to keep Ca²⁺ levels stable.

Process (bone marking)

Large projection on a bone.

Foramen

Opening in a bone through which a nerve or blood vessel passes.

Osteoporosis

Marked loss of bone density with increased fracture risk.

Menopause-related osteoporosis

Estrogen decline increases osteoclast activity, accelerating bone loss.

Osteomyelitis

Bone inflammation caused by pus-forming bacteria.

Kyphosis

Exaggerated posterior thoracic curvature (hunchback).

Lordosis

Exaggerated anterior lumbar curvature (swayback).

Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.

Synarthrosis (fibrous joint)

Immovable joint held together by fibrous tissue.

Amphiarthrosis (cartilaginous joint)

Slightly movable joint connected by cartilage.

Diarthrosis (synovial joint)

Freely movable joint with a synovial cavity.

Pubic symphysis

Cartilaginous joint uniting the two pubic bones.

Intervertebral joint

Cartilaginous joint between vertebral bodies.

Synovial fluid

Viscous lubricant found in freely movable joints.

Ligament

Strong band of fibrous tissue that connects bones and stabilizes joints.

Articular cartilage

Smooth cartilage covering bone ends, reducing friction.

Plantar flexion

Bending the foot downward at the ankle.

Dorsal flexion (dorsiflexion)

Bending the foot upward toward the shin.

Flexion

Movement that decreases the angle between two bones.

Extension

Movement that increases the angle between bones (straightening).

Hyperextension

Extension beyond the anatomic position.

Abduction

Movement away from the body’s midline.

Rotation

Turning a bone around its longitudinal axis.

Circumduction

Circular motion that traces a cone-shaped path.

Pronation

Turning the palm backward or downward.

Supination

Turning the palm forward or upward.

Sprain

Tear or rupture of a ligament.

Herniated disk

Protrusion of an intervertebral disk compressing spinal nerves and causing pain.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease resulting from wear and tear.

OA cartilage change

Articular cartilage thins or atrophies.

OA bone change

Formation of bone spurs (osteophytes).

Rheumatoid arthritis

Autoimmune inflammatory disorder of joints.

Gout

Joint inflammation due to uric acid crystal deposition.

Frontal bone

Bone forming the forehead.

Parietal bones

Paired bones forming the superior and lateral skull.

Occipital bone

Bone forming the posterior and inferior skull.

Temporal bones

Lateral skull bones that house the ear structures.

Mandible

Lower jawbone; only movable skull bone.

Maxilla

Upper jawbone.

Vertebrae

Series of bones forming the spinal column.

Cervical vertebrae

Seven neck vertebrae (C1–C7).

Thoracic vertebrae

Twelve mid-back vertebrae articulating with ribs.

Lumbar vertebrae

Five lower-back vertebrae.

Sacrum

Triangular bone between hip bones forming posterior pelvis.

Coccyx

Tailbone at the base of the spine.

Ribs

Curved bones forming the ribcage.

Sternum

Breastbone on the anterior thorax.

Clavicle

Collarbone connecting sternum to scapula.

Scapula

Shoulder blade; flat bone in upper back.

Humerus

Bone of the upper arm.

Radius

Lateral (thumb-side) bone of the forearm.

Ulna

Medial bone of the forearm.

Carpals

Eight small bones forming the wrist.

Metacarpals

Five bones forming the palm of the hand.

Phalanges

Bones of the fingers and toes.

Ilium

Superior, flared portion of the hip bone.

Ischium

Inferior posterior portion of the hip bone.

Pubis

Anterior portion of the hip bone.

Femur

Thigh bone; longest bone in the body.

Patella

Kneecap; sesamoid bone in the quadriceps tendon.

Tibia

Medial shin bone; weight-bearing lower-leg bone.

Fibula

Lateral, slender lower-leg bone.

Tarsals

Seven bones forming the ankle region.

Calcaneus

Heel bone; largest tarsal.

Metatarsals

Five long bones of the foot.