skeleton

Upper Limb Anatomy

  • The upper limb consists of three main parts: the arm, forearm, and hand.

Arm

  • Humerus:
    • The main bone of the arm, connects the shoulder joint to the elbow.

Forearm

  • Radius:
    • Positioned on the lateral side of the forearm; crucial for forearm rotation (e.g., supination vs. pronation).
  • Ulna:
    • Located on the medial side; known for the elbow bump (olecranon process).

Hand

  • Carpals:
    • A set of 8 bones that form the wrist.
    • Bones Included:
    • Trapezium
    • Trapezoid
    • Capitate
    • Hamate
    • Scaphoid
    • Lunate
    • Triquetrum
    • Pisiform.
  • Metacarpals:
    • 5 bones forming the intermediate part of the hand, constituting the palm.
    • Correlates to the visible parts of the hand.
  • Phalanges:
    • 14 bones per hand; each digit has 3 phalanges except for the thumb (only has 2).

Lower Limb Anatomy

  • The lower limb is segmented into the thigh, leg, and foot.

Thigh

  • Femur:
    • The longest and strongest bone in the body; connects to the hip joint.
  • Patella:
    • The kneecap located within the quadriceps femoris muscle; protects the knee joint.

Leg

  • Tibia:
    • The larger weight-bearing bone located in the lower leg; crucial for support and locomotion.
  • Fibula:
    • A smaller bone providing lateral support and stability to the leg.
  • Tarsals:
    • 7 bones that constitute the ankle.
    • Bones Included:
    • Calcaneus
    • Talus
    • Navicular
    • Cuboid
    • Lateral cuneiform
    • Medial cuneiform
    • Intermediate cuneiform.
  • Metatarsals:
    • A set of 5 bones found in the foot, connecting to the toes.
  • Phalanges:
    • Total of 14 per foot, structured similarly to those in the hand.

Bone Types

Station 1: Bone Types & Examples

  1. Types of Bone:
    • Long Bone (e.g., Femur)
    • Short Bone (e.g., Carpals)
    • Flat Bone (e.g., Scapula)
    • Irregular Bone (e.g., Vertebrae)
    • Sesamoid Bone (e.g., Patella).
  2. Specific Bones:
    • Humerus: Long bone.
    • Vertebrae: Irregular bone.
    • Carpals: Short bone.
  3. Carpal Bones Count: 8 in total.
  4. Tarsal Bones Count: 7 in total.
  5. Long Bone Parts:
    • Diaphysis (shaft)
    • Epiphysis (ends)
    • Metaphysis (growth plate).
  6. Bone Marrow Location: Found within the medullary cavity of long bones.

Calculating Height From Long Bone Length

Station 4: Forensic Height Estimation

  • In forensic pathology, inferring height from long bones can assist in victim identification.
  • Factors influencing estimation include sex and race.
  • Measurements include:
    • Radius: Measure from wrist to elbow.
    • Humerus: Measure from elbow to shoulder.
    • Femur: Measure from hip to knee.

Calculation Formulas

  • For Males:
    • Height = (Length of Radius x 3.3) + 34
    • Height = (Length of Humerus x 2.9)
    • Height = (Length of Femur x 1.9)
  • For Females:
    • Height = (Length of Radius x 3.3) + 32
    • Height = (Length of Humerus x 2.8)
    • Height = (Length of Femur x 2.0) + 28.7

Percent Error Calculation

  • The formula to determine the percent error for height calculations is:
    • Percent Error =
      (CalculatedHeightMeasuredHeight)MeasuredHeight×100\frac{(Calculated Height - Measured Height)}{Measured Height} \times 100
  • Example calculation: (60 - 65) x 100 = -7.69% Error.

Skeletal Diseases

Station 5: Overview

  • Osteoarthritis:

    • Causes or Risk Factors:
    • Aging
    • Obesity
    • Previous joint injuries.
    • Symptoms:
    • Joint pain
    • Stiffness
    • Loss of flexibility.
    • Treatment Options:
    • Physical therapy
    • Pain relievers
    • Surgery if severe.
    • Future Projections:
    • Increase in osteoarthritis diagnoses projected for 2030 compared to 2005.
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta:

    • Causes or Risk Factors:
    • Genetic mutation
    • Family history
    • Type of collagen deficiency.
    • Symptoms:
    • Fragile bones
    • Frequent fractures
    • Blue sclera.
    • Treatment Options:
    • Medications to strengthen bones
    • Physical therapy
    • Surgery for severe cases.
    • Types:
    • Type II (most severe, often lethal).
  • Osteosarcoma:

    • Causes or Risk Factors:
    • Genetic predisposition
    • Previous radiation therapy
    • Rapid bone growth periods.
    • Symptoms:
    • Persistent pain in bones
    • Swelling
    • Fractures without trauma.
    • Treatment Options:
    • Surgery
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation.
  • Osteomyelitis:

    • Causes or Risk Factors:
    • Bacterial infection
    • Open fractures
    • Chronic medical conditions.
    • Symptoms:
    • Fever
    • Pain in the affected bone
    • Swelling/redness.
    • Treatment Options:
    • Antibiotics
    • Surgery to remove infected tissue.
    • Most common site: Long bones.
  • Paget's Disease:

    • Causes or Risk Factors:
    • Genetic factors
    • Age-related changes
    • Hormonal imbalances.
    • Symptoms:
    • Bone pain
    • Deformities
    • Increased fracture risk.
    • Treatment Options:
    • Medications (bisphosphonates)
    • Pain relievers
    • Physical therapy.

General Questions on Skeletal Diseases

  1. Investigate common causes and risk factors across skeletal disorders.
  2. Identify common symptoms among the disorders listed above.