Skeletal System Flashcards: Posterior View

Skeletal System

• Parietal Bone: Forms the sides and roof of the cranium, protecting the brain.

• Occipital Bone: Located at the back of the skull, contains the foramen magnum for spinal cord passage.

• Atlas (C1): The first cervical vertebra, supports the skull, allows nodding motion.

• Axis (C2): The second cervical vertebra, has the odontoid process (dens) enabling rotation of the head.

• Spinous Process of Thoracic Vertebra: Projects posteriorly; attachment site for muscles and ligaments.

• Thoracic Vertebra: Twelve vertebrae connecting to ribs, accommodating thoracic cavity structures.

• Floating Ribs: The last two pairs of ribs; not attached to the sternum, providing flexibility.

• Humerus: The upper arm bone, articulates with the scapula and radius.

• Ulna: The inner forearm bone, larger at the elbow end; forms the elbow joint.

• Radius: The outer forearm bone, allows rotation of the wrist joint.

• Carpal Bones: Eight wrist bones; facilitate a wide range of hand movements.

• Ischial Tuberosity: The bony prominence of the ischium; supports weight when sitting.

• Phalanges: The bones of the fingers and toes; each digit has three (two in the thumb/big toe).

• Metatarsal Bones: Five long bones in the foot; provide structure and support for the toes.

• Calcaneus: The heel bone; largest tarsal bone, essential for walking and standing.

• Talus: The ankle bone, articulates with the tibia and fibula.

• Fibula: The outer leg bone; provides stability to the ankle joint.

• Femoral Condyle: The rounded ends of the femur that articulate with the tibia at the knee joint.

• Femur: The thigh bone; the longest and strongest bone in the body, supports body weight.

• Metacarpal Bones: Five bones in the hand connecting wrist to fingers, essential for hand function.

• Pubis: Part of the pelvic bone, located at the front, contributes to the pelvis's structure.

• Coccyx: Known as the tailbone, formed by four fused vertebrae, supports pelvic organs.

• Sacrum: A triangular bone made of five fused vertebrae at the base of the spine, connects to hips.

• Ilium: The largest part of the pelvis, forms the hip bone, and provides attachment for muscles.

• Lumbar Vertebra: Five vertebrae in the lower back; support upper body weight and allow flexibility.

• False Rib: Ribs 8-10; indirectly connected to the sternum via cartilage.

• True Rib: Ribs 1-7; directly attached to the sternum, providing respiratory structure.

• Scapula: The shoulder blade; connects the humerus with the clavicle and provides shoulder mobility.

• Acromion: The lateral extension of the scapula; forms a bony prominence of the shoulder.

• Spine of the Scapula: A ridge along the back of the scapula, muscle attachment site.

• Clavicle: The collarbone; connects the arm to the trunk, aids in shoulder mobility.

• Mandible: The lower jawbone; the only movable bone of the skull, crucial for chewing.

• Tibia: The shinbone; larger and stronger than the fibula, supports body weight.

• Zygomatic Bone: The cheekbone; contributes to the structure of the face and orbit.