BIOL_223_13

BIOL 224: The Skeletal System

Overview of the Skeletal System

Total Bones: 206Important to study lab material and understand difficult concepts thoroughly.

Topics Covered:

• Overview of Skeleton and Surface Features:

  • The skeleton's primary function is to provide structure and support to the body.

  • Identifying surface features is crucial for understanding the anatomy in clinical contexts.

• Detailed Study of the Skull and its Development (Fontanels):

  • The skull consists of 22 bones and is complex; a systematic approach aids in labeling.

  • Fontanels: Soft spots in the skull of newborns that allow for growth and adaptation during childbirth.

• Examination of the Vertebral Column and Thoracic Cage:

  • The vertebral column consists of cervical, thoracic, lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx. Each section plays distinct roles in structural support and protection of the spinal cord.

• Discussion on Spinal Abnormalities:

  • Common conditions include scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis. Understanding their causes and effects is critical for diagnosis and treatment.

• Introduction to the Pectoral Girdle and Upper Limb:

  • The pectoral girdle connects the upper limbs to the trunk and includes the clavicle and scapula.

Types of Skeleton

• Axial Skeleton:

  • Forms the central supporting axis of the body. Includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

• Appendicular Skeleton:

  • Comprises limbs and girdles (pectoral and pelvic).

Surface Features of Bones Identification:

• Able to identify surface features in lab:

  • Essential for understanding bone structure even without knowing the specific bone name.

• Practice:

  • Important to study tables that detail surface features such as lines, meatus, processes, and condyles, each serving distinct functions.

The Skull Anatomy

• Complexity:

  • While the skull has 22 bones, understanding it fully is achievable through systematic study and review of visual aids such as photos and diagrams in the provided PowerPoint presentations.

• Child's Skull and Fontanels Development:

  • Newborns have unfused skull bones for flexibility during birth, enabling head shape adjustment.

  • Fontanels: Gaps filled with fibrous membranes essential for growth and allow passage through the birth canal.

• Abnormalities of Fontanels:

  • Palpation Tests: These assessments can help nurses evaluate skull form and identify signs of issues, such as overriding cranial bones or indications of damage.

  • Hydrocephalus: High intracranial pressure often indicated by bulging fontanels.

Vertebral Column Overview

• Structure:

  • Comprises cervical (C1-C7), thoracic (T1-T12), lumbar (L1-L5) vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx. Each section plays specific roles in mobility and stability of the spine.

• Functions of the Vertebral Column:

  • Support: Provides a central support structure for the skull and trunk.

  • Protection: Safeguards the spinal cord running through the vertebral foramen.

  • Absorption: Absorbs compression from movements like walking and running, providing stability and flexibility.

  • Attachment: Serves as an anchor point for limbs and postural muscles, crucial for everyday movements.

Abnormal Spinal Curvatures

• Scoliosis:

  • Characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often due to uneven development of vertebrae.

• Kyphosis:

  • An exaggerated forward rounding of the back typically associated with osteoporosis but also prevalent in weight lifters due to excessive load and poor posture.

• Lordosis:

  • An exaggerated inward curve of the lumbar spine, which can result from additional weight, as seen during pregnancy or obesity.

Intervertebral Discs and Herniation

• Structure:

  • Composed of a gelatinous nucleus pulposus surrounded by a tough outer anulus fibrosus.

• Function:

  • Absorbs shock and allows for slight movement between vertebrae.

• Injury Risk:

  • Excessive force can lead to tears in the anulus, causing the nucleus to extrude, which can compress spinal nerves or the spinal cord, leading to pain and functional deficits.