Anatomy & Physiology I: Articulated Skeleton and Upper Limb Study Notes

Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I

This study guide covers foundational topics for college-level Anatomy & Physiology I, focusing on the articulated skeleton and upper limb. It is structured to support lab assignments, quizzes, and practicals as outlined in BIO 1120 Lab Unit 1.

Lab Structure and Requirements

• Lab Units: The course is divided into multiple lab units, each with specific focus areas (e.g., upper limb, skull, joints, skin).

• Assessment: Exams and quizzes are based on assignments, worksheets, and word banks provided in lab manuals.

• Minimum Passing Grade: Students must score above 60% to pass the lab component.

Lab Materials and Assignments

• Required Materials: Course materials, PowerPoint files, skeletal and skin word banks.

• Assignments: Real Anatomy worksheets, word banks, and additional materials must be completed and checked for timely submission.

• Reference Textbooks: Diagrams and tables from Marieb or Tortora (Chapters 1, 6, and 7) are recommended for study.

Terminology: Anatomical Regions and Planes

Anatomical Regions

• Ventral/Anterior: Refers to the front of the body.

• Dorsal/Posterior: Refers to the back of the body.

• Cranial/Superior: Toward the head or upper part of a structure.

• Caudal/Inferior: Toward the lower part of a structure or the feet.

• Lateral vs. Medial: Lateral means away from the midline; medial means toward the midline.

Planes of Section

• Frontal (Coronal) Plane: Divides the body into anterior and posterior portions.

• Midsagittal Plane: Divides the body into equal right and left halves.

• Transverse Plane: Divides the body into superior and inferior portions.

Articulated Skeleton: Major Bones and Regions

The articulated skeleton consists of all bones connected in their natural positions. Identification and memorization of these bones are essential for lab practicals.

• Skull: Includes the cranium and facial bones.

• Mandible: Lower jaw bone.

• Hyoid: U-shaped bone in the neck.

• Clavicle: Collarbone, connects the arm to the trunk.

• Scapula: Shoulder blade.

• Sternum: Breastbone.

• Costal Cartilage: Connects ribs to sternum.

• Vertebrae & Vertebral Column: Bones forming the spine.

• Intervertebral Discs: Cartilaginous pads between vertebrae.

• Sacrum: Triangular bone at the base of the spine.

• Humerus: Upper arm bone.

• Radius & Ulna: Forearm bones.

• Metacarpals & Phalanges: Bones of the hand and fingers.

• Os Coxa (Hip Bone): Includes ilium, ischium, and pubis.

• Symphysis Pubis: Cartilaginous joint uniting left and right pubic bones.

• Ribs: Protect thoracic organs.

• Femur: Thigh bone.

• Patella: Kneecap.

• Tibia & Fibula: Lower leg bones.

• Tarsals, Metatarsals, Phalanges: Bones of the foot and toes.

Appendicular Skeleton: Upper Limb

The appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the limbs and girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton. The upper limb is connected to the shoulder and consists of several key bones and landmarks.

Clavicle

• Acromial End: Lateral end, articulates with the scapula.

• Sternal End: Medial end, articulates with the sternum.

Scapula

• Acromion Process: Extension of the scapula, forms the highest point of the shoulder.

• Coracoid Process: Hook-like structure on the scapula.

• Glenoid Fossa (Cavity): Socket for the head of the humerus.

Humerus

• Head: Articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula.

• Capitulum: Rounded knob on the distal end, articulates with the radius.

• Trochlea: Spool-shaped structure, articulates with the ulna.

• Deltoid Tuberosity: Raised area for muscle attachment.

• Epicondyles (Medial & Lateral): Projections for muscle attachment.

• Coronoid Fossa & Olecranon Fossa: Depressions for articulation with the ulna.

Radius

• Head: Disc-shaped, articulates with the capitulum of the humerus.

• Neck: Narrow area below the head.

• Styloid Process: Projection at the distal end.

Ulna

• Olecranon Process: Forms the elbow's bony prominence.

• Coronoid Process: Projection at the proximal end.

• Radial Notch: Articulates with the head of the radius.

• Styloid Process: Projection at the distal end.

• Trochlear Notch: Articulates with the trochlea of the humerus.

Hand

• Carpals: Eight wrist bones: capitate, hamate, lunate, pisiform, scaphoid (navicular), trapezium, trapezoid, triquetrum.

• Metacarpals: Five bones forming the palm (numbered 1-5).

• Phalanges: Finger bones (proximal, middle, distal).

Key Anatomical Terms and Concepts

• Articulated Skeleton: The complete skeleton with all bones in their natural positions.

• Appendicular Skeleton: Includes limbs and girdles (shoulder and pelvic).

• Axial Skeleton: Includes skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

• Bone Markings: Features on bones such as processes, fossae, notches, and tubercles, important for muscle attachment and articulation.

Table: Major Bones of the Upper Limb and Their Key Features

Bone	Key Features	Articulations
Clavicle	Acromial end, sternal end	Scapula (acromion), Sternum
Scapula	Acromion process, coracoid process, glenoid fossa	Clavicle, Humerus
Humerus	Head, capitulum, trochlea, deltoid tuberosity, epicondyles	Scapula, Radius, Ulna
Radius	Head, neck, styloid process	Humerus, Ulna, Carpals
Ulna	Olecranon process, coronoid process, radial notch, styloid process, trochlear notch	Humerus, Radius, Carpals
Carpals	Capitate, hamate, lunate, pisiform, scaphoid, trapezium, trapezoid, triquetrum	Radius, Ulna, Metacarpals
Metacarpals	Numbered 1-5	Carpals, Phalanges
Phalanges	Proximal, middle, distal	Metacarpals

Example: Identifying Bones in the Upper Limb

• Clavicle: Palpate the collarbone from the sternum to the shoulder.

• Scapula: Locate the acromion process at the top of the shoulder.

• Humerus: Identify the head at the shoulder joint and the epicondyles at the elbow.

• Radius and Ulna: The radius is lateral (thumb side), and the ulna is medial (pinky side) in anatomical position.

• Carpals, Metacarpals, Phalanges: Examine the wrist and hand, noting the arrangement and names of each bone.

Additional info:

• Students are encouraged to use anatomy software and online resources for interactive study and review.

• Clinical slides and histology of connective tissues and the integumentary system are also part of lab material.

• Terminology from textbook chapters and lab worksheets is essential for quizzes and practicals.