Skull

Skull: Anterior View

The anterior view of the skull highlights the bones visible from the front. These bones form the facial structure and protect the brain.

• Maxilla: The upper jaw bone, forms the central part of the face.

• Mandible: The lower jaw bone, the only movable bone of the skull.

• Zygomatic Bone: Also known as the cheekbone.

• Nasal Bone: Forms the bridge of the nose.

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

Skull: Lateral View

The lateral view displays the side of the skull, showing the arrangement of cranial and facial bones.

• Parietal Bone: Forms the upper sides and roof of the cranium.

• Temporal Bone: Located at the sides and base of the skull.

• Occipital Bone: Forms the back and base of the skull.

• Frontal Bone: Forehead region.

• External Auditory Meatus: Ear canal opening.

• Mastoid Process: Rounded projection behind the ear.

• Styloid Process: Slender pointed bone below the ear.

• Mandibular Condyle: Articulates with the temporal bone.

• Coronoid Process: Anterior process of the mandible.

• Mental Foramen: Opening in the mandible for nerves and vessels.

• Coronal Suture: Junction between frontal and parietal bones.

• Squamous Suture: Junction between parietal and temporal bones.

• Zygomatic Arch: Cheekbone arch.

Skull: Posterior View

The posterior view shows the back of the skull, focusing on cranial sutures.

• Sagittal Suture: Runs along the midline between parietal bones.

• Lambdoid Suture: Separates parietal and occipital bones.

Skull: Posterior/Superior View

This view highlights the base of the skull and its major foramina.

• Foramen Magnum: Large opening for the spinal cord.

• Carotid Canal: Passage for the carotid artery.

• Jugular Foramen: Passage for the jugular vein.

• Occipital Condyles: Articulate with the first cervical vertebra.

• Palatine Bone: Forms part of the hard palate.

Skull: Superior Interior View

The superior interior view reveals internal cranial features.

• Ethmoid Bone: Forms part of the nasal cavity and orbits.

• Sphenoid Bone: Butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull.

• Crista Galli: Vertical projection of the ethmoid bone.

• Sella Turcica: Depression in the sphenoid bone housing the pituitary gland.

Sacrum

Sacrum: Anterior View

The sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed by fused vertebrae.

• Sacral Promontory: Prominent upper border of the sacrum.

Sacrum: Posterior View

• Sacral Canal: Continuation of the vertebral canal.

• Median Sacral Crest: Ridge formed by fused spinous processes.

• Sacral Hiatus: Opening at the lower end of the sacral canal.

• Coccyx Bone: Tailbone, formed by fused coccygeal vertebrae.

Vertebra

Atlas (C1)

The atlas is the first cervical vertebra, supporting the skull.

• Vertebral Foramen: Central opening for the spinal cord.

• Transverse Process: Lateral projections for muscle attachment.

Axis (C2)

The axis is the second cervical vertebra, allowing head rotation.

• Dens (Odontoid Process): Peg-like projection for rotation.

• Spinous Process: Posterior projection for muscle attachment.

• Transverse Foramen: Openings for vertebral arteries.

Typical Vertebra

• Body: Main weight-bearing part.

• Pedicle: Connects body to arch.

• Lamina: Forms the vertebral arch.

• Transverse Process: Lateral projections.

• Spinous Process: Posterior projection.

• Vertebral Foramen: Canal for spinal cord.

Cervical, Thoracic, & Lumbar Vertebrae

These vertebrae differ in size, shape, and function.

• Cervical: Small, with transverse foramina.

• Thoracic: Larger, with facets for rib articulation.

• Lumbar: Largest, for weight-bearing.

Sternum & Ribs

Rib Cage

The rib cage protects thoracic organs and supports respiration.

• Sternum: Central chest bone.

• Manubrium: Upper part of the sternum.

• Body: Main part of the sternum.

• Xiphoid Process: Lower tip of the sternum.

• True Rib: Directly attached to sternum (ribs 1-7).

• False Rib: Indirectly attached (ribs 8-10).

• Floating Rib: Not attached to sternum (ribs 11-12).

Scapula

Scapula: Anterior View

The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat bone aiding arm movement.

• Body: Main part of the scapula.

• Lateral Border: Edge closest to the arm.

• Coracoid Process: Projection for muscle attachment.

• Acromion: Highest point, connects with clavicle.

• Subscapular Fossa: Depression on anterior surface.

• Medial Border: Edge closest to the spine.

Scapula: Posterior View

• Spine: Prominent ridge on posterior surface.

• Acromion: Extension of the spine.

• Supraspinous Fossa: Depression above the spine.

• Infraspinous Fossa: Depression below the spine.

• Medial Border: Edge closest to the spine.

Scapula: Lateral View

• Coracoid Process: Anterior projection.

• Acromion: Superior projection.

• Glenoid Cavity: Socket for humerus articulation.

Clavicle

The clavicle, or collarbone, connects the scapula to the sternum.

• Identify Bone: Recognize the S-shaped clavicle.

Humerus

Humerus: Anterior View

The humerus is the upper arm bone, articulating with the scapula and forearm.

• Greater Tubercle: Lateral projection for muscle attachment.

• Lesser Tubercle: Smaller anterior projection.

• Intertubercular Sulcus: Groove between tubercles.

• Radial Fossa: Depression for radius articulation.

• Lateral/Medial Epicondyle: Projections for muscle attachment.

• Capitulum: Articulates with radius.

• Trochlea: Articulates with ulna.

• Deltoid Tuberosity: Rough area for deltoid muscle.

• Head: Proximal end, fits into scapula.

• Anatomical/Surgical Neck: Constrictions below head.

Humerus: Posterior View

• Olecranon Fossa: Depression for ulna.

• Medial/Lateral Epicondyle: Muscle attachment points.

• Radial Groove: Groove for radial nerve.

• Deltoid Tuberosity: Muscle attachment.

• Greater Tubercle: Lateral projection.

Radius and Ulna

Radius/Ulna: Anterior View

The radius and ulna are the two bones of the forearm.

• Radius: Lateral bone (thumb side).

• Radial Notch: Articulation site for radius and ulna.

• Radial Tuberosity: Muscle attachment site.

• Radial Styloid Process: Distal projection.

• Radial Head: Proximal end of radius.

• Ulnar Head: Distal end of ulna.

Radius/Ulna: Posterior View

• Trochlear Notch: Articulates with humerus.

• Olecranon: Proximal projection of ulna (elbow).

• Coronoid Process: Anterior projection of ulna.

• Ulnar Styloid Process: Distal projection.

Hand

Hand: Posterior Side (Right Hand)

The hand consists of multiple bones for dexterity and function.

• Phalanges: Finger bones.

• Metacarpals: Palm bones.

• Hamate, Capitate, Pisiform, Triquetrum, Lunate, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Scaphoid: Carpal bones of the wrist.

• Pollex: Thumb.

Pelvic Bone

Pelvic Bone: Medial View

The pelvic bone supports the lower body and protects pelvic organs.

• Ischium, Ilium, Pubis: Three fused bones forming the pelvis.

• Iliac Crest: Superior border of ilium.

• Greater/Lesser Sciatic Notch: Indentations for nerve passage.

• Ischial Spine: Projection for ligament attachment.

• Obturator Foramen: Large opening for nerves and vessels.

Pelvic Bone: Lateral View

• Same features as medial view, with Ischial Tuberosity (muscle attachment site).

Femur

Femur: Anterior View

The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body.

• Neck: Connects head to shaft.

• Fovea Capitis: Depression on head for ligament attachment.

• Head: Articulates with pelvis.

• Intertrochanteric Line: Ridge between trochanters.

• Lesser/Greater Trochanter: Projections for muscle attachment.

• Medial/Lateral Epicondyle: Distal projections.

• Patellar Surface: Articulates with patella.

Femur: Posterior View

• Fovea Capitis, Head: As above.

• Gluteal Tuberosity: Rough area for gluteal muscle attachment.

• Linea Aspera: Ridge on posterior shaft.

• Intercondylar Fossa: Depression between condyles.

• Medial/Lateral Epicondyle: As above.

Tibia and Fibula

Tibia/Fibula: Anterior View

The tibia and fibula are the bones of the lower leg.

• Tibia: Larger, medial bone.

• Fibula: Smaller, lateral bone.

• Intercondylar Eminence: Ridge between tibial condyles.

• Lateral/Medial Condyle: Proximal projections.

• Anterior Crest: Sharp ridge on tibia.

• Lateral/Medial Malleolus: Distal projections (ankle).

• Tibial Tuberosity: Proximal rough area for ligament attachment.

Tibia/Fibula: Posterior View

• Same features as anterior view, with emphasis on Medial/Lateral Malleolus.

Additional info:

• These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the major bones and landmarks of the human skeleton, suitable for introductory Anatomy & Physiology courses.

• Students should be able to identify, label, and describe the function of each bone and its key features.