Skeletal System Overview

Study Notes

Functions of the Skeletal System

Provides support and structure for the body
Protects internal organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs
Acts as a attachment site for muscles, allowing for movement
Produces blood cells through bone marrow
Stores minerals such as calcium and phosphorus

Types of Bones

Long bones: longer than they are wide, e.g. femur (thigh bone)
Short bones: approximately equal in length and width, e.g. carpals (wrist bones)
Flat bones: thin and flat, e.g. ribs and sternum
Irregular bones: do not fit into any other category, e.g. vertebrae
Sesamoid bones: small, rounded bones embedded within tendons, e.g. patella (kneecap)

Bone Tissue

Compact bone: dense, compact tissue found in the shafts of long bones
Cancellous bone: spongy, porous tissue found in the ends of long bones and interior of flat bones
Periosteum: outer layer of bone, covering the surface
Endosteum: inner layer of bone, lining the marrow cavity

Skeletal System Divisions

Axial skeleton: bones of the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum
Appendicular skeleton: bones of the upper and lower limbs, pelvis, and shoulder girdle

Joints

Synovial joints: freely movable joints, e.g. shoulder and elbow
Cartilaginous joints: joints connected by cartilage, e.g. spine
Fibrous joints: joints connected by fibrous tissue, e.g. skull bones

Bone Development and Growth

Ossification: process of bone formation
Endochondral ossification: process of bone formation from cartilage models
Intramembranous ossification: process of bone formation from mesenchymal tissue

Description

Learn about the functions and types of bones, bone tissue, skeletal system divisions, joints, and bone development and growth. This quiz covers the basics of the skeletal system, from its functions to its structure and development.