Skeletal System Functions Quiz

Study Notes

Functions of the Skeletal System

Provides support through ligaments that secure bones together.
Offers protection for vital organs.
Facilitates movement via skeletal muscles that contract and create movement at joints.
Stores minerals such as calcium (Ca++) and phosphate (PO4-), enhancing bone strength and acting as a reservoir for calcium.
Produces blood cells:
- Generates red blood cells (erythrocytes), essential for oxygen transport.
- Produces white blood cells (leukocytes), crucial for the immune response.

Organization of the Skeletal System

Comprises 206 bones in total.

Axial Skeleton

Skull: 29 bones.
Vertebral column: 26 bones.
Ribcage: 25 bones, including:
- Sternum: 1 bone.
- Ribs: 24 bones.

Appendicular Skeleton

Pectoral girdle: 4 bones (scapula and clavicle).
- Scapula: shoulder blade.
- Clavicle: collar bone.
Upper limbs: 60 bones.
Pelvic girdle: 2 bones.
Lower limbs: 60 bones.

Key Bone Structures

Femur: the thigh bone, largest bone in the body.
Radius: located on the lateral side of the forearm.
Ulna: located on the medial side of the forearm.
Carpal bones: bones of the wrist.
Each finger has 3 phalanges, while the thumb has 2 phalanges. Total for fingers is 12 (3 x 4) and for thumbs is 2 (2 x 1).
Tarsals: ankle bones, analogous to carpals.
Each toe has 3 phalanges, and the big toe has 2 phalanges.

Joints of the Skull

Two main types:
- Sutures: immovable joints where two bones are joined.
- Major sutures of the skull include the frontal suture, which is not visible in adult skulls.

Description

Test your knowledge on the functions of the skeletal system, including support, protection, and movement. Understand how ligaments, tendons, and mineral storage play vital roles in skeletal health. This quiz covers essential aspects of human anatomy related to the skeletal system.