Human Skeleton Anatomy Overview

Questions and Answers

What are the two major sections of the skeleton?

Axial skeleton and Appendicular skeleton

What bones make up the shoulder girdle?

Clavicles and Scapulas

What is the purpose of the ribs in the body?

Protect organs and produce blood through hematopoiesis

How many vertebrae make up the spinal column?

26 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pelvic girdle?

Attach to the leg bones Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of long bones?

Diaphysis and Epiphysis Signup and view all the answers

Which bones make up the arm bone?

Humerus, Radius, Ulna Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the endosteum in long bones?

Keep the marrow intact Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the appendicular skeleton?

Forms the extremities of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the periosteum in bones?

Covers the outer bone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The skeleton is a crucial part of the body, acting as its framework and protecting vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.
The skeleton can be divided into two major sections: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.
The axial skeleton, forming the main trunk of the body, consists of the skull, spinal column, ribs, and sternum. The spinal column, or vertebral column, is made up of 26 vertebrae with an intervertebral disc between each, protecting the spinal cord and acting as a shock absorber. Ribs protect organs and are responsible for the production of blood through hematopoiesis.
The appendicular skeleton forms the extremities of the body, including the shoulder girdle, arm bones, pelvic girdle, and leg bones.
The shoulder girdle is made up of collarbones (clavicles) and shoulder bones (scapulas), and the arm bone is divided into the humerus, radius, and ulna, with wrist bones (carpels) and hand bones completing the structure.
The pelvic girdle, made up of hip bones (oscoecci), attaches to the leg bones, which include the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, and bones of the foot (tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges).
Long bones, such as the femur, have a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (proximal and distal epiphysis) and contain a medullary canal filled with yellow marrow, with an endosteum keeping the marrow intact and a periosteum covering the outer bone.
Joints, formed where bones meet, are divided into three categories based on their mobility: diarthrosis (freely movable), amphiarthrosis (slightly movable), and synarthrosis (immovable).
Ligaments and cartilage support joints and contribute to their functionality.