Appendicular Skeleton Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How can you tell the difference between a right clavicle and left clavicle?

The medial side is smooth and pyramid-shaped. The lateral side is flat. The wider curve opens to the posterior side and the smaller curve opens to the anterior side. Ensure the conoid tubercle is on the inferior side.

How can you tell the difference between a left scapula and right scapula?

The coracoid process is on the anterior side and is hook-shaped. Check the glenoid fossa to see where the humerus fits.

How can you tell the difference between a left humerus and right humerus?

Look at the head to see whether it fits into a right or left scapula.

How can you tell the difference between a left ulna and right ulna?

The ulna lines up with your pinky. Check the proximal radioulnar joint to see where the radius attaches, aligning with your thumb. Signup and view all the answers

How can you tell the difference between a left coxal bone and right coxal bone?

The pubis is on the anterior side and the ischium is on the posterior side. The ilium should be superior to the pubis and ischium. The acetabulum also helps determine the side. Signup and view all the answers

How can you tell the difference between a left femur and right femur?

Look at the head to see if it fits into a right or left coxal bone. The lateral supracondylar ridge should be on the posterior side and the patellar surface on the anterior side. Signup and view all the answers

How can you tell the difference between a left tibia and right tibia?

The tibial tuberosity and anterior margin are on the anterior side. The malleolus on the distal end should be on the medial side. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Clavicle Identification

Right clavicle: smooth and pyramid-shaped medial side; flat lateral side.
Wider curve opens posteriorly; smaller curve opens anteriorly.
Conoid tubercle must be positioned on the inferior side.

Scapula Differentiation

Left scapula: coracoid process is anterior and hook-shaped.
Glenoid fossa indicates the orientation for the humerus placement.

Humerus Orientation

Left or right humerus identification is based on the head's alignment with the corresponding scapula.

Ulna Positioning

Left ulna: aligns with the pinky finger; proximal radioulnar joint indicates radius attachment aligning with the thumb.

Coxal Bone Classification

Left coxal bone: pubis faces anteriorly, ischium faces posteriorly.
Ilium sits superior to both pubis and ischium.
Acetabulum serves as the socket for the femur, aiding in identification.

Femur Differentiation

Left femur: head orientation shows fit into the respective coxal bone.
Lateral supracondylar ridge should be on the posterior side.
Patellar surface must be positioned anteriorly.

Tibia Recognition

Left tibia: tibial tuberosity and anterior margin are located on the anterior side.
Distal end features a malleolus on the medial side, which protrudes further out.

Description

Test your knowledge of the appendicular skeleton with these flashcards. Each card covers essential differences between the right and left clavicles and scapulae. Understand the key structural features to distinguish between them effectively.