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Anatomy & Physiology: Skeletal System and Vertebral Column

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  • What are the two main divisions of the skeleton?
    Axial skeleton (midline bones including skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage) and appendicular skeleton (limbs and girdles).
  • How many bones are in the adult human skeleton?
    There are 206 bones in the adult human skeleton.
  • What causes the decrease in bone number from birth to adulthood?
    Decrease is due to fusion of bones, such as the mandible, frontal bone, os coxae, and sacrum.
  • Define the bone surface feature: facet.
    A facet is a smooth articular surface on a bone.
  • What is a tuberosity on a bone?
    A tuberosity is a rough surface on a bone that serves as a muscle attachment site.
  • What is a foramen in bone anatomy?
    A foramen is a hole in a bone that allows passage of nerves or blood vessels.
  • What are fontanelles in the infant skull?
    Fontanelles are soft spots or spaces between unfused cranial bones in infants.
  • Name the four fontanelles of the infant skull.
    Anterior, posterior, sphenoidal, and mastoid fontanelles.
  • What are sutures in the skull?
    Sutures are immovable joints that connect cranial bones.
  • List the four major paranasal sinuses.
    Frontal, sphenoidal, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses.
  • What is the function of paranasal sinuses?
    They lighten the skull and act as resonance chambers for voice.
  • How many cervical vertebrae are there and what mnemonic helps remember this?
    There are 7 cervical vertebrae. Remember: Breakfast at 7 a.m.
  • How many thoracic vertebrae are there and what mnemonic helps remember this?
    There are 12 thoracic vertebrae. Remember: Lunch at 12 p.m.
  • How many lumbar vertebrae are there and what mnemonic helps remember this?
    There are 5 lumbar vertebrae. Remember: Dinner at 5 p.m.
  • What is the vertebral foramen?
    The vertebral foramen is the passage through which the spinal cord travels.
  • What is the function of intervertebral discs?
    They act as pads of fibrocartilage between vertebrae, providing cushioning and flexibility.
  • What is a herniated disc?
    A herniated disc is a rupture or slip of the intervertebral disc, often causing nerve pain.
  • What is the atlas (C1) vertebra specialized for?
    The atlas supports the skull and allows the nodding motion of the head.
  • What is the axis (C2) vertebra specialized for?
    The axis has the dens (odontoid process) which allows rotation of the head.
  • What is the function of the transverse foramen in cervical vertebrae?
    It allows passage of blood vessels to and from the brain.