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Study Guide: LO ch7

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Q1. Differentiate any bone as being part of the axial or appendicular skeleton.

Background

Topic: Skeletal System Organization

This question tests your understanding of the two major divisions of the human skeleton: axial and appendicular. You need to know which bones belong to each division and the general functions of each.

Key Terms:

  • Axial skeleton: Includes bones of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage (ribs and sternum).

  • Appendicular skeleton: Includes bones of the limbs and girdles (shoulder and pelvic girdles).

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the definition and components of the axial skeleton (skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage).

  2. Recall the definition and components of the appendicular skeleton (limbs, shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle).

  3. For any bone, determine its location and function to decide which division it belongs to.

  4. Think about whether the bone is involved in protecting vital organs (axial) or movement (appendicular).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. Identify all the bones in the body by name and location whether articulated or disarticulated.

Background

Topic: Bone Identification

This question tests your ability to recognize and name all the bones in the human body, whether they are connected (articulated) or separated (disarticulated).

Key Terms:

  • Articulated: Bones joined together in their natural positions.

  • Disarticulated: Bones separated from their natural positions.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the major bones of the axial and appendicular skeleton.

  2. Practice identifying bones in both articulated skeletons (full body) and disarticulated specimens (individual bones).

  3. Use anatomical landmarks and bone shapes to distinguish between similar bones.

  4. Refer to diagrams or models to reinforce your identification skills.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. Identify all the parts (bumps, holes, projections, etc.) of the bones as listed in the lab manual.

Background

Topic: Bone Surface Anatomy

This question tests your knowledge of anatomical features on bones, such as processes, foramina, tubercles, and other landmarks.

Key Terms:

  • Process: A projection or bump on a bone.

  • Foramen: A hole or opening in a bone.

  • Tubercle/Tuberosity: Rounded projections for muscle attachment.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the list of bone features in your lab manual.

  2. Learn the definitions and functions of each feature (e.g., what attaches to a tubercle).

  3. Practice locating these features on bone models or diagrams.

  4. Associate each feature with its bone and anatomical location.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. Be able to identify the Right and Left of appendicular bones.

Background

Topic: Anatomical Orientation

This question tests your ability to distinguish between right and left bones in the appendicular skeleton (limbs and girdles).

Key Terms:

  • Appendicular bones: Bones of the limbs and girdles.

  • Anatomical position: Standard reference for orientation.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the anatomical landmarks that distinguish right from left bones (e.g., head of femur, scapular spine).

  2. Practice orienting bones in anatomical position to determine right or left.

  3. Use diagrams or models to reinforce your understanding.

  4. Check for features that are only present on one side (e.g., thumb side of radius).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. Describe a suture and identify the major sutures in the skull.

Background

Topic: Skull Anatomy

This question tests your knowledge of sutures, which are immovable joints between skull bones, and your ability to identify the major ones.

Key Terms:

  • Suture: Fibrous joint connecting skull bones.

  • Major sutures: Coronal, sagittal, lambdoid, squamous.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the definition and function of sutures.

  2. Learn the names and locations of the major sutures in the skull.

  3. Practice identifying sutures on diagrams or models.

  4. Associate each suture with the bones it connects.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q6. Explain the formation of and the role of fontanels.

Background

Topic: Infant Skull Anatomy

This question tests your understanding of fontanels, which are soft spots on an infant's skull, and their developmental significance.

Key Terms:

  • Fontanel: Soft, membranous gap between skull bones in infants.

  • Ossification: Process of bone formation.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the definition and location of fontanels.

  2. Understand the process of ossification and how fontanels close over time.

  3. Learn the functional role of fontanels (e.g., allowing skull growth, facilitating childbirth).

  4. Identify the major fontanels on diagrams or models.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q7. Define a bony sinus and state the location of each major sinus area in the skull. Explain the roles these sinuses play in the skeletal and respiratory system.

Background

Topic: Skull Sinuses

This question tests your knowledge of bony sinuses, their locations, and their functions in both skeletal and respiratory systems.

Key Terms:

  • Bony sinus: Air-filled cavity within a skull bone.

  • Major sinuses: Frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the definition and function of bony sinuses.

  2. Learn the locations of the major sinuses in the skull.

  3. Understand the roles of sinuses in lightening the skull and aiding respiration.

  4. Practice identifying sinuses on diagrams or models.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q8. Differentiate by location and by structure between cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Explain how and why the first and second cervical vertebrae are so anatomically different from the rest.

Background

Topic: Vertebral Column Anatomy

This question tests your ability to distinguish between the three types of vertebrae and understand the unique features of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2).

Key Terms:

  • Cervical vertebrae: 7 vertebrae in the neck region.

  • Thoracic vertebrae: 12 vertebrae in the upper back, attached to ribs.

  • Lumbar vertebrae: 5 vertebrae in the lower back.

  • Atlas (C1): Supports the skull.

  • Axis (C2): Allows head rotation.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the anatomical differences between cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.

  2. Learn the unique features of the atlas and axis.

  3. Practice identifying vertebrae types on diagrams or models.

  4. Understand the functional significance of the atlas and axis.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q9. Describe the normal vertebral column curvatures and the common abnormal curvatures.

Background

Topic: Vertebral Column Curvatures

This question tests your knowledge of the normal and abnormal curvatures of the spine.

Key Terms:

  • Normal curvatures: Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral.

  • Abnormal curvatures: Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the four normal curvatures of the vertebral column.

  2. Learn the definitions and causes of abnormal curvatures.

  3. Practice identifying curvatures on diagrams or models.

  4. Understand the clinical significance of abnormal curvatures.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q10. Describe the anatomy and functionality of the intervertebral disc. Describe what is meant by a herniated disc.

Background

Topic: Intervertebral Disc Anatomy

This question tests your understanding of the structure and function of intervertebral discs and the concept of a herniated disc.

Key Terms:

  • Intervertebral disc: Cartilaginous structure between vertebrae.

  • Herniated disc: Protrusion of disc material.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the anatomy of the intervertebral disc (annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus).

  2. Learn the function of discs in cushioning and allowing movement.

  3. Understand what happens during a herniated disc.

  4. Practice identifying discs and herniation on diagrams or models.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q11. Differentiate between true ribs (vertebrosternal), false ribs (vertebrochondral) and floating (vertebral) ribs.

Background

Topic: Rib Classification

This question tests your knowledge of the types of ribs and their anatomical differences.

Key Terms:

  • True ribs: Directly attached to the sternum.

  • False ribs: Indirectly attached to the sternum.

  • Floating ribs: Not attached to the sternum.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the definitions and locations of true, false, and floating ribs.

  2. Learn the anatomical differences between each type.

  3. Practice identifying rib types on diagrams or models.

  4. Understand the functional significance of each rib type.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q12. State the common differences seen between the male and female skeletons. Use the pelvis to explain common differences seen in the following structures:

  • a. Pelvic inlet

  • b. True pelvis

  • c. False pelvis

  • d. Orientation of the ilia

  • e. Acetabulum size

  • f. Obturator foramen

  • g. Pelvic outlet

  • h. Pubic arch

  • i. Pubic symphysis

Background

Topic: Sexual Dimorphism in Skeletal Anatomy

This question tests your understanding of the anatomical differences between male and female skeletons, especially in the pelvis.

Key Terms:

  • Pelvic inlet: Opening at the top of the pelvis.

  • True pelvis: Area below the pelvic brim.

  • False pelvis: Area above the pelvic brim.

  • Ilia, acetabulum, obturator foramen, pelvic outlet, pubic arch, pubic symphysis: Pelvic structures with sexual differences.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the general differences between male and female skeletons (size, robustness, pelvic shape).

  2. Learn the specific differences in pelvic structures listed above.

  3. Practice identifying these differences on diagrams or models.

  4. Understand the functional significance (e.g., childbirth).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q13. Describe the numbering system used to individually identify each metacarpal, metatarsal and phalanx.

Background

Topic: Bone Numbering Systems

This question tests your knowledge of how bones in the hands and feet are numbered and named.

Key Terms:

  • Metacarpals: Bones of the hand.

  • Metatarsals: Bones of the foot.

  • Phalanges: Finger and toe bones.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the numbering system for metacarpals and metatarsals (1–5, starting from the thumb/big toe).

  2. Learn the naming conventions for phalanges (proximal, middle, distal).

  3. Practice identifying and numbering bones on diagrams or models.

  4. Understand the clinical significance of bone numbering.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

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