Chapter 7: The Skeleton – Study Guide (Marieb 11th Edition)

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Chapter 7: The Skeleton

Introduction

The human skeleton is a complex framework of bones and associated structures that provides support, protection, and movement for the body. This chapter covers the major bones, their features, and the organization of the axial and appendicular skeletons.

Vocabulary

Cranium: The part of the skull that encloses the brain.
Sutures: Immovable joints connecting the bones of the skull.
Cranial vault (calvaria): The dome-like superior portion of the skull.
Cranial base: The floor of the cranial cavity.
Cranial cavity: The space within the skull that houses the brain.
Sella turcica: A saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone that holds the pituitary gland.
Cribriform: Refers to the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone, which has small holes for olfactory nerves.
Crista galli: A vertical projection of the ethmoid bone, serving as an attachment for the brain's dura mater.
Sutural bones: Small, irregular bones found within sutures of the skull.
Lamina: A thin plate or layer, often referring to parts of vertebrae.
Intervertebral disc: Fibrocartilaginous pads between vertebrae, providing cushioning and flexibility.
Nucleus pulposus: The inner gel-like core of an intervertebral disc.
Anulus fibrosus: The tough outer ring of an intervertebral disc.
Herniated (prolapsed) disc: A condition where the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the anulus fibrosus.
Scoliosis: Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
Kyphosis: Exaggerated thoracic curvature of the spine (hunchback).
Lordosis: Exaggerated lumbar curvature of the spine (swayback).

Learning Objectives

7.1 The Skull

Name the bones of the skull: The skull consists of 22 bones, including 8 cranial bones (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid) and 14 facial bones (maxilla, zygomatic, mandible, etc.).
Identify the bones of the skull: Use diagrams and models to locate and distinguish each bone.
Identify the important sutures of the skull: Major sutures include the coronal, sagittal, lambdoid, and squamous sutures.
Identify the important markings of skull bones: Key features include foramina (holes), processes (projections), and fossae (depressions).
Compare and contrast the major functions of the cranium and the facial skeleton:
- The cranium protects the brain and provides attachment for head and neck muscles.
- The facial skeleton forms the framework of the face, contains cavities for sense organs, and provides openings for air and food passage.
Define the bony boundaries of the cranial cavity: The cranial cavity is bounded by the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
Define the bony boundaries of the orbit: The orbit is formed by the frontal, sphenoid, zygomatic, maxilla, palatine, lacrimal, and ethmoid bones.

7.2 The Vertebral Column

Describe the components of the vertebral column: The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae in five regions: cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacral (5, fused), and coccygeal (4, fused).
Describe the curvatures of the vertebral column: Normal curvatures include cervical and lumbar lordosis, and thoracic and sacral kyphosis.
Describe the function of the spinal curvatures and the intervertebral discs:
- Curvatures increase resilience and flexibility.
- Intervertebral discs absorb shock and allow movement.
Explain a common function of the spinal curvatures and the intervertebral discs: Both structures help distribute mechanical stress during movement and weight-bearing.
Distinguish between cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae using appropriate diagnostic characters:
- Cervical vertebrae: Small body, bifid spinous process, transverse foramina.
- Thoracic vertebrae: Heart-shaped body, long downward spinous process, facets for rib articulation.
- Lumbar vertebrae: Large kidney-shaped body, short blunt spinous process.

7.3 The Thoracic Cage

Describe the bones of the thoracic cage: Includes the sternum, ribs (12 pairs), and thoracic vertebrae.
Delineate the main features of the sternum: The sternum consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
Identify the bones forming the pectoral girdle: The pectoral girdle is formed by the clavicle and scapula.
Relate their structure and function: The pectoral girdle provides attachment for upper limb muscles and allows a wide range of motion.

7.4 The Appendicular Skeleton

Identify the bones of the upper limb: Includes the humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.
Identify the important markings of upper limb bones: Key features include the deltoid tuberosity (humerus), olecranon (ulna), and styloid processes (radius and ulna).
Identify the bones of the pelvic girdle: The pelvic girdle consists of the two hip bones (os coxae), sacrum, and coccyx.
Relate the pelvic girdle's structure to its function: The pelvic girdle supports the weight of the upper body, protects pelvic organs, and provides attachment for lower limb muscles.
Explain major differences in the male and female pelvis:
- Female pelvis: Wider, shallower, larger pelvic inlet and outlet for childbirth.
- Male pelvis: Narrower, deeper, more robust.
Identify the bones of the lower limb: Includes the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.
Identify the important markings of lower limb bones: Notable features include the greater trochanter (femur), tibial tuberosity (tibia), and lateral malleolus (fibula).

Table: Comparison of Vertebral Types

Feature	Cervical	Thoracic	Lumbar
Body Shape	Small, oval	Heart-shaped	Large, kidney-shaped
Spinous Process	Bifid (except C7)	Long, downward	Short, blunt
Transverse Foramina	Present	Absent	Absent
Rib Facets	Absent	Present	Absent

Additional info:

For detailed bone markings and diagrams, refer to Figures 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 in the textbook.
Understanding the differences between vertebral types is essential for identifying vertebrae in lab practicals.