Pelvic Girdle and Femur Anatomy Quiz

Study Notes

Pelvic Girdle

Forms the attachment point for the lower limbs to the axial skeleton.
Transfers the weight of the upper body to the lower limbs.
Provides support for the organs within the pelvic cavity.
Secured by the strongest ligaments in the body to allow articulation with the thigh bone.
When the three bones of the pelvis fuse together, they form a deep hemisphere-shaped socket for the femur called the acetabulum.

Os Coxae (Illium, Ischium, Pubis)

The illium has thickened superior margins called iliac crests.
The iliac crests have spines that serve as attachment points for muscles of the trunk, hip, and thigh.
The ischium and pubis are two bones that join at the pubic symphysis.
The pelvic inlet is narrow in males and broad in females.

Femur

The largest, thickest, and strongest bone in the body.
It has a ball-like head that attaches to the acetabulum of the pelvis.
The proximal end of the femur articulates with the hip, while the distal end (lateral and medial condyles) articulates with the tibia.

Patella

A triangular, sesamoid bone that protects the kneecap.
It assists quadriceps muscles in bending and straightening the leg.
Patellar dislocation is a common occurrence.

Tibia

Also known as the shinbone.
Receives weight from the femur.
The tallest of the two bones in the lower leg.
The medial malleolus connects with the ankle joint.

Fibula

Also known as the calf bone.
Does not bear weight.
The shortest of the two bones in the lower leg.
The lateral malleolus connects with the ankle joint.

Foot

Consists of three parts: tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges

Tarsus

Composed of seven tarsal bones.
The calcaneus forms the heel.
The talus articulates with the tibia and fibula.

Metatarsus

Five small long bones called metatarsals.

Phalanges

Fourteen bones that comprise the toes.
Each toe (except the big toe) has three phalanges, while the hallux (big toe) only has two.

Pectoral Girdle

Composed of two bones: clavicle (anteriorly) and scapula (posteriorly).
Muscles attach the scapula to the thorax and vertebral column.
The upper limbs are attached to the pectoral girdle.
Lightweight and allows flexibility and mobility not seen elsewhere in the body.

Clavicle

Also known as the collarbone.
The medial (sternal) end is cone-shaped and attaches to the manubrium.
The lateral (acromial) end is flattened and attaches to the acromion of the scapula.

Scapula

Also known as the shoulder blade.
Has three borders.
The glenoid cavity articulates with the humerus.
The acromion articulates with the clavicle.
The scapula has numerous muscles that attach to it, creating the shoulder joint and securing the upper limbs to the trunk.

Humerus

The proximal end has a hemispherical head that fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula.
The distal end has two condyles: a medial trochlea and a lateral ball-shaped capitulum that articulates with the radius (proximal end).
The humerus lies laterally (thumb side) in anatomical position.

Radius

Lies laterally (thumb side) in anatomical position.
The proximal end articulates with the humerus.
The distal end articulates with the carpal bones.
The radius articulates with the ulna at the radio-ulnar joint.

Ulna

Lies medially (pinky side) in anatomical position.
The radius and ulna are two parallel long bones with distal ends that articulate with the humerus.
Their distal ends form joints with the wrist.

Carpus

The wrist.
Composed of eight marble-size short bones called carpals.

Metacarpus

The palm.
Composed of five long bones numbered 1-5 (thumb to little finger).

Phalanges

The fingers.
Long bones numbered 1-5 (thumb to little finger).
Each finger (except the thumb) has three phalanges.
The thumb (pollex) has only two phalanges.

Description

Test your knowledge on the pelvic girdle and femur anatomy. This quiz covers the structure and function of the pelvic bones, including the os coxae and their role in supporting the body. Additionally, learn about the femur, the largest bone in the body, and its articulation with the pelvis.