Axial Skeleton Flashcards

Axial Skeleton Overview

• The axial skeleton consists of bones that form the central axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Key Bones of the Skull

• Frontal Bone: Forms the forehead region, contributing to the protection of the brain.
• Zygomatic Bone: Known as the cheekbone, it provides facial structure and support.
• Mandible: The lower jaw bone; the only movable bone of the skull responsible for chewing.
• Nasal Bone: Composes the bridge of the nose, supporting the structure of the nasal cavity.
• Palatine Bone: Forms the posterior section of the hard palate, crucial for the separation of oral and nasal cavities.
• Parietal Bone: Covers much of the lateral and superior sections of the cranium, providing structural strength.
• Occipital Bone: The most posterior part of the skull; contains vital openings for the spinal cord.
• Sphenoid Bone: A unique, bat-shaped bone part of the cranial floor, significance includes housing the sella turcica, which holds the pituitary gland.
• Lacrimal Bone: Small bones in the medial wall of each orbit that house the tear ducts.
• Maxilla: Forms the upper jaw and central part of the hard palate.
• Ethmoid Bone: Contributes to the nasal structure with superior and medial nasal conchae; includes the cribriform plate and crista galli for olfactory function.

Structures and Functions within the Skull

• Mastoid Process: Located on the temporal bone; serves as an attachment point for neck muscles.
• Alveoli: The maxilla and mandible contain these sockets for teeth.
• Nasal Septum: Comprised of the vomer and ethmoid bones, it divides the nasal cavity.
• Foramen Magnum: An opening in the occipital bone, allowing for the spinal cord to connect with the brain.
• Condyles: On the occipital bone, these articulate with the atlas (the first cervical vertebra), allowing head movement.

Sutures Connecting Skull Bones

• Lambdoid Suture: Connects the occipital bone with the parietal bones.
• Squamous Suture: Joins the temporal bones with the parietal bones.

Miscellaneous

• Hyoid Bone: A U-shaped bone in the neck that provides attachment for tongue muscles.
• Middle Ear: Located within the temporal bone, it is essential for hearing.
• Paranasal Sinuses: The sphenoid bone houses four sinuses that help with respiratory function.