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Anatomy & Physiology: Skeletal System and Axial Skeleton

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Terms in this set (24)

  • Major functions of the skeletal system

    Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, blood cell production, and energy storage.

  • Classification of bones by shape

    Long bones (e.g., femur), short bones (e.g., carpals), flat bones (e.g., sternum), irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae), and sesamoid bones (e.g., patella).

  • Functional significance of major bone markings

    Bone markings serve as attachment sites for muscles, passageways for nerves and blood vessels, and joint surfaces for articulation.

  • Cell types in bone and their functions

    Osteoblasts build bone, osteocytes maintain bone, osteoclasts resorb bone, and osteoprogenitor cells are stem cells that differentiate into osteoblasts.

  • Differences between compact and spongy bone

    Compact bone is dense and provides strength; spongy bone is porous, reduces weight, and contains red marrow for blood cell production.

  • Endochondral ossification

    Bone forms by replacing hyaline cartilage, mainly in long bones during fetal development and growth.

  • Intramembranous ossification

    Bone develops directly from mesenchymal tissue, primarily forming flat bones like the skull.

  • Bone remodeling and homeostasis

    Continuous process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts to maintain strength and mineral balance.

  • Effects of exercise on bone

    Weight-bearing exercise stimulates bone growth and increases bone density.

  • Role of calcium in the skeletal system

    Calcium is essential for bone strength and mineral storage, and it regulates muscle contraction and nerve function.

  • Types of bone fractures

    Simple, compound, greenstick, comminuted, and spiral fractures, classified by severity and pattern.

  • Stages of fracture healing

    Hematoma formation, fibrocartilaginous callus formation, bony callus formation, and bone remodeling.

  • Effects of aging on the skeletal system

    Decreased bone density, increased fracture risk, reduced calcium absorption, and slower healing.

  • Bones of the axial skeleton

    Includes the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

  • Functions of the axial skeleton

    Supports and protects the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs; provides attachment sites for muscles.

  • Key bones of the cranium and face

    Cranium: frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital. Face: maxilla, mandible, zygomatic.

  • Significance of foramina and fissures in skull bones

    Allow passage of nerves and blood vessels to and from the brain and face.

  • Structure and function of the orbital complex

    Protects the eyes and provides attachment for muscles controlling eye movement.

  • Paranasal sinuses function

    Lighten the skull, produce mucus, and enhance voice resonance.

  • Differences in skulls of infants, children, and adults

    Infants have fontanelles and more flexible sutures; adults have fused sutures and fully ossified bones.

  • Curves of the spinal column and their functions

    Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic curves provide balance and absorb shock.

  • Five vertebral regions

    Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions with distinct vertebrae structures.

  • Joints between thoracic vertebrae and ribs

    Allow rib movement for breathing and provide stability to the thoracic cage.

  • Joints between ribs and sternum

    Costosternal joints connect ribs to the sternum, enabling chest expansion during respiration.