The Skeletal System - Overview

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The Skeletal System

Introduction

skeletalsystem.jpegThe skeletal system exists as the framework to support the muscles, organs, and tissues of the body. It consists of 206 bones in a host of different sizes, shapes, and functions. That's correct--the skeletal system works together as a single unit although the bones possess similar, although different, functions. This module will explore skeletal organization, connections, and movement, as well as physiological functions.

Essential Questions

  • How is muscle connected to the bones?
  • How many bones are there in the human body?
  • Which type of bone provides the structure of the human body?
  • What functions does the skeletal system possess?
  • What cells compose the human skeletal system?
  • What other system(s) support and maintain the bones of the skeletal system?
  • How many types of bone exist in the skeletal system?
  • How would you classify the bones of the axial and appendicular skeleton?
  • What does the process of growth and formation of bone consist of?

Key Terms

  1. Appendicular Skeleton - portion of the skeleton forming the extremities composed of the shoulder girdle, arm bones, pelvic girdle, and leg bones
  2. Axial Skeleton - portion of the skeleton forming the main trunk of the body composed of the skull, spinal column, ribs, and breastbone
  3. Carpals - wrist
  4. Clavicles - collarbones
  5. Cranium - skull
  6. Diaphysis - the shaft of a long bone
  7. Endosteum - the layer of vascular connective tissue lining the medullary cavities of bone that keeps the yellow marrow intact
  8. Epiphysis - an end of a long bone
  9. Femur - longest and largest bone in the human body, extending from the hip to the knee (thigh)
  10. Fibula - the smaller of two bones of the lower leg below the knee
  11. Fontanels - membrane-covered opening between bones
  12. Foramina - openings in bones that allow nerves and blood vessels to enter or leave the bone
  13. Humerus - the longest bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow
  14. Joints - an area where two or more bones join together
  15. Ligaments - a tough band of tissue that connects long bones together at joints
  16. Medullary canal - the marrow cavity of a bone
  17. Metacarpals -  the five bones forming the palm of the hand
  18. Metatarsals - the five bones forming the instep of the foot
  19. Os coxae - hip bone
  20. Patella - kneecap
  21. Periosteum - the tough membranous outer covering of bone
  22. Phalanges  - fourteen finger bones (three bones comprising each finger and two on each thumb)
  23. Radius - smaller of two bones of the lower arm located on the thumb side
  24. Red marrow - a form of bone marrow that produces red blood cells, platelets, and some white blood cells
  25. Ribs  - 12 pairs of bones attaching to the thoracic vertebrae on the dorsal surface of the body
  26. Scapula  - shoulder bone
  27. Sinuses - air spaces in the bones of the skull that usually communicates with the nostrils and contains air
  28. Skeletal system - a system made of 206 bones and functions as the framework for the human body
  29. Sternum - also known as the breastbone, it connects with the clavicles and the cartilages of the upper seven pairs of ribs
  30. Sutures - the line of union in an immovable articulation (as between the bones of the skull)
  31. Tarsals -  the seven bones forming the ankle
  32. Tibia - the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the leg between the knee and ankle
  33. Ulna  - the bone on the little-finger side of the human forearm that forms, with the humerus, the elbow joint and serves as a pivot in rotation of the hand
  34. Vertebrae  - the 26 bones forming the spinal column
  35. Yellow marrow - bone marrow that functions as the storage area for fat cells
  36. Osteocyte - a bone cell

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