Comprehensive Study Guide: Human Skeletal System Bone List

The Human Skeletal System: Bone Identification

Overview

The human skeletal system provides structure, protection, and support for the body. It is composed of 206 bones in the adult, each with distinct anatomical features. This guide covers the major bones and their key landmarks, as required for identification in an Anatomy and Physiology (ANP) college course.

Skull Bones

Major Cranial Bones and Landmarks

• Frontal Bone

  • Supraorbital Foramen: Opening above each orbit for nerves and vessels.

  • Glabella: Smooth area between the eyebrows.

• Parietal Bone: Paired bones forming the superior and lateral aspects of the skull.

• Sphenoid Bone

  • Lesser Wing: Thin, superior projection.

  • Greater Wing: Larger, inferior projection.

  • Sella Turcica: Saddle-shaped depression housing the pituitary gland.

  • Foramen Rotundum, Ovale, Spinosum: Openings for cranial nerves and vessels.

• Ethmoid Bone

  • Crista Galli: Vertical projection for attachment of brain membranes.

  • Cribriform Plate: Perforated area for olfactory nerves.

• Temporal Bone

  • Zygomatic Process: Articulates with zygomatic bone.

  • Styloid Process: Needle-like projection for muscle attachment.

  • External Auditory Meatus: Ear canal opening.

  • Mastoid Process: Rounded projection for neck muscle attachment.

• Occipital Bone

  • Occipital Condyles: Articulate with the first cervical vertebra (atlas).

  • Foramen Magnum: Large opening for the spinal cord.

Facial Bones

• Nasal Bone: Forms the bridge of the nose.

• Lacrimal Bone: Small bone forming part of the eye socket.

• Palatine Bone: Forms posterior part of the hard palate.

• Zygomatic Bone: Cheekbone.

• Nasal Concha: Curved bones in the nasal cavity.

• Vomer: Forms part of the nasal septum.

• Maxilla

  • Nasal Process: Articulates with nasal bone.

  • Infraorbital Foramen: Opening below the orbit.

  • Alveolar Processes: Sockets for upper teeth.

  • Zygomatic Process: Articulates with zygomatic bone.

• Mandible

  • Mandibular Condyle: Articulates with temporal bone.

  • Mandibular Notch: Depression between condyle and coronoid process.

  • Coronoid Process: Muscle attachment site.

  • Mandibular Foramen: Opening on inner surface for nerves/vessels.

  • Mental Foramen: Opening on anterior surface for nerves/vessels.

  • Alveolar Processes: Sockets for lower teeth.

Cranial Sutures

• Frontal (Coronal) Suture: Between frontal and parietal bones.

• Sagittal Suture: Between right and left parietal bones.

• Lambdoid Suture: Between parietal and occipital bones.

• Squamosal Suture: Between parietal and temporal bones.

Hyoid Bone

• Greater Horn: Larger lateral projections.

• Lesser Horn: Smaller, superior projections.

Note: The hyoid bone does not articulate with any other bone and supports the tongue.

Vertebral Column

Types of Vertebrae

• Cervical (7): Smallest, with transverse foramina.

• Thoracic (12): Articulate with ribs, have long spinous processes.

• Lumbar (5): Largest, support most body weight.

Common Vertebral Features

• Body: Weight-bearing region.

• Spinous Process: Posterior projection.

• Lamina: Part of vertebral arch.

• Transverse Processes: Lateral projections.

• Transverse Foramen: Only in cervical vertebrae; passage for arteries.

• Vertebral Foramen: Canal for ru spinal cord.

Special Cervical Vertebrae

• Atlas (C1): Supports the skull; has anterior and posterior tubercles.

• Axis (C2): Has the dens (odontoid process) for rotation; superior articular facets.

Sacrum and Coccyx

• Sacral Promontory: Anterior border of the sacrum.

• Base: Broad superior surface.

• Sacral Foramina: Openings for nerves.

• Coccyx: Tailbone.

• Ala: Wing-like projections.

• Median Sacral Crest: Fused spinous processes.

Thoracic Cage

Ribs

• Costal Groove: Groove on inner surface for nerves/vessels.

• Shaft: Main portion of the rib.

• Angle: Point of greatest curvature.

• Tubercle: Articulates with vertebrae.

Sternum

• Suprasternal Notch: Superior indentation.

• Clavicular Notch: Articulates with clavicle.

• Manubrium: Superior portion.

• Sternal Angle: Junction of manubrium and body.

• Body: Main portion.

• Xiphoid Process: Inferior tip.

Upper Extremity

Pectoral Girdle

• Clavicle

  • Acromial End: Lateral, articulates with scapula.

  • Sternal End: Medial, articulates with sternum.

• Scapula

  • Acromion: Lateral projection; forms shoulder tip.

  • Coracoid Process: Anterior projection for muscle attachment.

  • Body: Main portion.

  • Glenoid Cavity: Socket for humerus.

  • Supraspinous Fossa: Depression above spine.

  • Spine: Prominent ridge.

  • Infraspinous Fossa: Depression below spine.

Arm and Forearm

• Humerus

  • Greater/Lesser Tubercle: Muscle attachment sites.

  • Head: Articulates with scapula.

  • Anatomical/Surgical Neck: Constrictions below head.

  • Lateral/Medial Epicondyle: Muscle attachment sites.

  • Capitulum: Articulates with radius.

  • Olecranon Fossa: Receives ulna during extension.

• Radius

  • Head/Neck: Proximal end; head is disc-shaped.

  • Tuberosity: Muscle attachment.

  • Radial Styloid Process: Lateral wrist projection.

  • Ulnar Notch: Articulates with ulna.

• Ulna

  • Trochlear Notch: Articulates with humerus.

  • Olecranon: Elbow tip.

  • Coronoid Process: Anterior projection.

  • Head: Distal end.

  • Radial Notch: Articulates with radius.

Hand

• Carpal Bones (wrist): Hamate, Capitate, Pisiform, Triquetrum, Lunate, Trapezoid, Trapezium, Scaphoid.

• Metacarpals: Numbered I-IV (thumb to pinky).

• Phalanges: Each finger has proximal, middle, and distal phalanges (except thumb, which lacks a middle phalanx).

Pelvis

• Ilium

  • Ala: Wing-like portion.

  • Iliac Crest: Superior border.

  • Anterior/Posterior Superior Iliac Spine: Projections for muscle attachment.

  • Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine: Below superior spine.

  • Greater Sciatic Notch: Passage for sciatic nerve.

• Pubis

  • Inferior Pubic Ramus: Lower branch.

• Ischium

  • Ischial Spine: Posterior projection.

  • Lesser Sciatic Notch: Below ischial spine.

  • Ischial Tuberosity: Supports body weight when sitting.

  • Ischial Ramus: Branch connecting to pubis.

• Obturator Foramen: Large opening for nerves/vessels.

• Acetabulum: Hip socket for femur.

• Pubic Symphysis: Cartilaginous joint uniting pubic bones.

Lower Extremity

Femur

• Head: Articulates with acetabulum.

• Neck: Connects head to shaft.

• Lesser/Greater Trochanter: Muscle attachment sites.

• Intertrochanteric Crest: Posterior ridge between trochanters.

• Lateral/Medial Epicondyle: Above condyles.

• Lateral/Medial Condyle: Articulate with tibia.

• Patellar Groove: For patella articulation.

• Linea Aspera: Posterior ridge for muscle attachment.

Patella

• Apex: Pointed inferior end.

• Base: Broad superior end.

Tibia

• Intercondylar Eminence: Proximal projection between condyles.

• Lateral/Medial Condyle: Articulate with femur.

• Tibial Tuberosity: Anterior bump for ligament attachment.

• Medial Malleolus: Inner ankle projection.

Fibula

• Head: Proximal end.

• Lateral Malleolus: Outer ankle projection.

Foot

• Tarsal Bones: Calcaneus (heel), Navicular, Cuboid, Talus, Lateral/Intermediate/Medial Cuneiforms.

• Metatarsals: Numbered I-IV (big toe to little toe).

• Phalanges: Each toe has proximal, middle, and distal phalanges (big toe lacks middle phalanx).

Summary Table: Major Bone Groups and Key Features

Bone Group	Examples	Key Features
Skull (Cranial & Facial)	Frontal, Parietal, Sphenoid, Maxilla, Mandible	Foramina, processes, sutures, condyles
Vertebral Column	Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum, Coccyx	Body, spinous/transverse processes, foramen
Thoracic Cage	Ribs, Sternum	Grooves, notches, manubrium, xiphoid process
Upper Extremity	Clavicle, Scapula, Humerus, Radius, Ulna	Condyles, epicondyles, tubercles, fossae
Hand	Carpals, Metacarpals, Phalanges	Named bones, phalangeal segments
Pelvis	Ilium, Ischium, Pubis	Crests, spines, notches, acetabulum
Lower Extremity	Femur, Patella, Tibia, Fibula	Condyles, trochanters, malleoli
Foot	Tarsals, Metatarsals, Phalanges	Named bones, phalangeal segments

Key Terms and Definitions

• Foramen: Opening in bone for nerves/vessels.

• Process: Projection for muscle/ligament attachment.

• Condyle: Rounded articular surface.

• Fossa: Depression in bone.

• Notch: Indentation at bone edge.

• Crest: Prominent ridge.

• Spine: Sharp, slender projection.

• Epicondyle: Raised area above a condyle.

• Tuberosity/Tubercle: Rounded projection for muscle attachment.

Study Tips

• Use anatomical models or diagrams to locate each structure.

• Practice identifying bones and features from multiple views.

• Group bones by region (e.g., skull, upper limb) for systematic study.

• Relate bone features to their functions (e.g., foramina for nerves, processes for muscle attachment).

Additional info: This guide expands on the provided bone list by including definitions, anatomical context, and a summary table for efficient review. For exam preparation, focus on both the names and the anatomical relationships of each structure.