Anatomy Axial Skeleton Flashcards

Study Notes

Axial Skeleton Overview

Comprised of three main parts: skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage

Skull

Consists of the cranium and facial bones
Frontal bone: Forms the forehead and parts of the orbit and anterior cranial fossa
Supraorbital foramen: Allows passage of blood vessels and nerves above each orbit
Glabella: The smooth area located between the eyes
Parietal bone: Forms the sides of the cranium, located posterolateral to the frontal bone
Key sutures:
- Sagittal suture: Midline joint between the two parietal bones
- Coronal suture: Articulation point between the frontal and parietal bones
Temporal bone: Located beneath the parietal bone, has several parts:
- Squamous part: Borders the parietals
- Tympanic part: Surrounds the ear opening
- Petrous part: Contains the mastoid process and forms skull base
Zygomatic process: Connects the zygomatic bone to the temporal bone
Mandibular fossa: Socket for the mandible's condylar process
External acoustic meatus: Canal to the eardrum and middle ear
Occipital bone: Forms the back and base of the skull, contains the foramen magnum for spinal cord passage
Sphenoid bone: Keystone of the cranium, articulates with all cranial bones and forms part of the middle cranial fossa
Ethmoid bone: Forms part of the medial orbit walls and roof of the nasal cavity, features crista galli for dura mater attachment

Mandible

Lower jawbone, articulates with the temporal bones at the only movable joint of the skull
Mandibular body: Horizontal portion forming the chin
Condylar and coronoid processes: Points for articulation and muscle attachment respectively
Mental foramen: Opening transmitting nerves and blood vessels to the lower jaw
Mandibular foramen: Passage for nerve related to tooth sensation

Vertebral Column

Made up of vertebrae, including the sacrum and coccyx
Vertebrae feature:
- Vertebral arch: Includes pedicles, laminae, and spinous process
- Transverse processes: Lateral extensions from the vertebral arch
- Intervertebral foramina: Openings allowing spinal nerves to exit
Sacrum: Formed by fusion of five vertebrae, features a median sacral crest from fused spinous processes
Coccyx: Known as the human tailbone

Thoracic Cage

Composed of the sternum, ribs, thoracic vertebrae, and costal cartilages
Sternum: Breastbone made of three fused sections: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process
Manubrium: Superior part of the sternum, recognizable by its knot-like shape
Xiphoid process: Inferior end of the sternum
Sternal angle: Angle formed between manubrium and body of sternum, important landmark in anatomy

Description

Test your knowledge of the axial skeleton with these flashcards. Each card helps you learn about various components, including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage. Perfect for students in anatomy and related fields.