Axial and Appendicular Skeleton: Structure, Function, and Development

What forms the longitudinal axis of the body?

The axial skeleton

What are the three parts of the axial skeleton?

Skull, vertebral column, bony thorax

What are the two sets of bones in the skull?

Cranium and facial bones

How are the bones of the skull joined?

By sutures, except for the mandible, which is attached by a freely movable joint

What are paranasal sinuses?

Hollow portions of bones surrounding the nasal cavity

What are the functions of paranasal sinuses?

To lighten the skull and give resonance & amplification to voice

What is unique about the hyoid bone?

It does not articulate with any other bone and serves as a moveable base for the tongue

How many vertebrae are in the vertebral column?

24 single vertebral bones

How many cervical vertebrae are there?

7 cervical vertebrae

How many thoracic vertebrae are there?

12 thoracic vertebrae

How many lumbar vertebrae are there?

5 lumbar vertebrae

What do 9 vertebrae fuse to form?

The sacrum and coccyx

What is the heaviest and strongest bone in the body?

The femur (thigh bone)

What are the two bones of the lower leg?

Tibia (shinbone) and fibula

What are the seven bones of the foot called?

Tarsals

What are the five bones that form the sole of the foot?

Metatarsals

How many phalanges are in the toes?

14 bones

What are fontanels?

Fibrous membranes that join skull bones at birth

What are primary curvatures of the spine?

Spinal curvatures of thoracic and sacral regions

What are secondary curvatures of the spine?

Spinal curvatures of cervical and lumbar regions (S-shaped)

What does the bony thorax consist of?

Sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae

What is the appendicular skeleton composed of?

126 bones including limbs and girdles

What bones make up the pectoral girdle?

Clavicle (collarbone) and scapula (shoulder blade)

What bones are found in the forearm?

Ulna (medial) and radius (lateral)

How many carpals are in each hand?

8 carpals