Skeletal System Terminology

Axial Skeleton

  • Skull
    • Frontal bone
    • Contains the supra-orbital foramen.
    • Parietal bone (2)
    • Occipital bone:
    • Contains the foramen magnum which allows the spinal cord to pass through the skull.
    • Temporal bone (2):
    • Contains:
      • External acoustic meatus
      • Mastoid process
      • Zygomatic process
      • Styloid process
    • Sphenoid bone
    • Maxilla:
    • Contains the infra-orbital foramen.
    • Zygomatic bone
    • Mandible:
    • Contains the mental foramen.

Vertebral Column & Thoracic Cage

  • Vertebra:
    • Features of vertebrae:
    • Body
    • Spinous process
    • Transverse process
    • Intervertebral disc
    • Vertebral canal
  • Cervical vertebrae C1-C7
    • Atlas: First cervical vertebra.
    • Axis:
    • Contains the Dens (Odontoid process).
    • Has transverse foramen.
  • Thoracic vertebrae T1-T12
  • Lumbar vertebrae L1-L5
  • Sacrum
  • Coccyx
  • Ribs:
    • Total: 12 ribs.
    • True ribs (1-7) attach directly to the sternum.
    • False ribs (8-12) do not attach directly to the sternum.
    • Contains costal cartilage that connects ribs to sternum.
  • Sternum:
    • Contains:
    • Manubrium
    • Xyphoid process
  • Hyoid bone (not directly attached to the skeleton, supports the tongue).

Appendicular Skeleton

  • Pectoral Girdle and Upper Limb:

    • Clavicle:
    • Features:
      • Sternal end
      • Acromial end
    • Scapula:
    • Features:
      • Acromion
      • Glenoid cavity (fossa)
      • Spine
      • Coracoid process
    • Humerus:
    • Features:
      • Head
      • Greater & lesser tubercle
      • Trochlea
      • Medial and lateral condyles
    • Radius
    • Ulna:
    • Contains the olecranon process.
    • Carpals (wrist bones)
    • Metacarpals (hand)
    • Phalanges (fingers):
    • Includes the Pollux (thumb).

  • Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limb:

    • Coxal bone (hip bone):
    • Features:
      • Acetabulum (socket for the femur)
      • Obturator foramen
      • Ilium:
      • Ala
      • Iliac crest
      • Sacro-iliac joint
      • Ischium:
      • Ischial tuberosity
      • Pubis:
      • Pubic symphysis
    • Femur (thigh bone):
    • Features:
      • Head & neck
      • Greater & lesser trochanter
      • Medial & lateral condyles
    • Patella (kneecap)
    • Tibia:
    • Contains the medial malleolus.
    • Fibula:
    • Contains the lateral malleolus.
    • Tarsals (ankle bones):
    • Includes Talus and Calcaneus.
    • Metatarsals (foot)
    • Phalanges (toes):
    • Includes the Hallux (big toe).

Bone Features

  • Condyle: A rounded projection that usually participates in the formation of a joint.
  • Fossa: A shallow depression or hollow in a bone.
  • Foramen: An opening or hole in a bone through which nerves and blood vessels pass.
  • Facet: A smooth, flat, or shallow surface on a bone that articulates with another bone.
  • Process: A projection or outgrowth of tissue from a larger body.
  • Spine: A sharp, slender, or narrow process or projection.
  • Tuberosity/tubercle: A rounded prominence on a bone, often serving as an attachment for muscles or ligaments.
  • Fissure: A narrow, slit-like opening or gap in a bone or tissue.