Anatomy of the Skeleton and Bones

The Skeleton

• The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column (including the trunk's bones), and ribs
• The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs, divided into the shoulder girdle with upper limb and pelvic girdle with lower limb

Bones

• Bones are the supporting framework of the body
• Bones protect internal organs

Types of Bone (Shape)

• Long bones (e.g., humerus)
• Short bones (e.g., carpals)
• Flat bones (e.g., parietal bone)
• Irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae)

Types of Bone (Structure)

• Compact bone
• Cancellous (spongy) bone

Structure of a Long Bone

• Proximal epiphysis
• Metaphysis
• Diaphysis
• Metaphysis
• Distal epiphysis
• Articular cartilage
• Spongy bone
• Epiphyseal line
• Red bone marrow
• Endosteum
• Compact bone
• Medullary cavity
• Yellow bone marrow
• Periosteum
• Nutrient artery

Structure of a Flat Bone

• Compact bone
• Spongy bone (diploë)

The Joint

• A joint is where two or more bones meet

Types of Joints

• Fibrous joints
• Cartilaginous joints
• Synovial joints

Fibrous Joints

• Form strong connections between skull bones
• Examples: Between radius and ulna in the forearm (interosseous membrane), sutures

Cartilaginous Joints

• Joined by hyaline cartilage (e.g., epiphyseal plate in long bones)
• Joined by fibrocartilage (e.g., pubic symphysis)

Synovial Joints

• Allow smooth movement between bones
• Joint cavity filled with synovial fluid
• Lined with synovial membrane
• Surrounded by articular capsule
• Examples include:
• Ball and socket (e.g., shoulder, hip)
• Pivot (e.g., atlas and axis)
• Hinge (e.g., elbow, knee)
• Saddle (e.g., carpometacarpal joint in thumb)
• Plane (e.g., sternoclavicular joint)
• Ellipsoid (e.g., wrist joint)

Explore the structure and function of the human skeleton in this quiz. Learn about the axial and appendicular skeleton, different types of bones, and their characteristics. Test your knowledge about bone structure and joints.