💪4. bone anatomy

Question 1

Define the axial skeleton.

Answer 1

The portion of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage

It provides support and protection for the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs.

Question 2

Define the appendicular skeleton.

Answer 2

The portion of the skeleton that includes the pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, and limbs

It enables movement and interaction with the environment.

Question 3

List the bones of the skull.

Answer 3

• Frontal bone
• Parietal bones
• Temporal bones
• Occipital bone
• Sphenoid bone
• Ethmoid bone

These bones protect the brain and support facial structures.

Question 4

What are the functions of facial bones?

Answer 4

• Supporting cavities and sense organs
• Attachment of muscles for mastication, speech, and facial expression
• Protection

They play a crucial role in the structure and function of the face.

Question 5

Identify the regions of the vertebral column.

Answer 5

• Cervical
• Thoracic
• Lumbar
• Sacrum
• Coccyx

Each region has distinct structural characteristics and functions.

Question 6

Describe the structure of the ribcage.

Answer 6

• Composed of the sternum and ribs
• 7 pairs of true ribs
• 5 pairs of false ribs

The ribcage protects thoracic contents and allows for ventilation.

Question 7

What is the function of the vertebral column?

Answer 7

• Provides support
• Protects the spinal cord
• Allows range of movement

It consists of 26 separate bones that vary in structure across regions.

Question 8

List the components of the pectoral girdle.

Answer 8

• Clavicles
• Scapulae

The pectoral girdle enables versatile movement and articulation for the arm.

Question 9

What are the features of the femur?

Answer 9

• Head
• Neck
• Greater trochanter
• Shaft
• Condyles

The femur is the longest bone in the body and supports weight during movement.

Question 10

True or false: The pelvic girdle consists of the os coxae, sacrum, and coccyx.

Answer 10

TRUE

The pelvic girdle supports the weight of the upper body and provides stability.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The cervical vertebrae are numbered from C1 to _______.

Answer 11

C7

They are the first seven vertebrae in the vertebral column.

Question 12

What are the differences between male and female skeletons?

Answer 12

• Pelvic inlet shape
• Width of the pelvis
• Angle of the pubic arch

These differences are adaptations for childbirth in females.

Question 13

List the bones of the lower leg.

Answer 13

• Tibia
• Fibula

The tibia is the larger, weight-bearing bone, while the fibula provides stability.

Question 14

What is the function of the thoracic cage?

Answer 14

• Protection of thoracic contents
• Allowing expansion and contraction for ventilation

It plays a critical role in respiratory mechanics.

Question 15

Describe the anatomical term: Trochanter.

Answer 15

Large rough projection

It serves as a site for muscle attachment.

Question 16

What is the function of the vertebral foramen?

Answer 16

Surrounds and protects the spinal cord

It is a key feature of vertebral anatomy.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The articulating surfaces of bones include the head, condyle, and _______.

Answer 17

facet

These surfaces facilitate joint movement.

Question 18

What are the two main divisions of the human skeleton?

Answer 18

Axial and appendicular skeleton.

Question 19

What structures are part of the axial skeleton?

Answer 19

Skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

Question 20

What structures are part of the appendicular skeleton?

Answer 20

Pectoral and pelvic girdles, and upper and lower limbs.

Question 21

What are the main functions of the skeletal system?

Answer 21

Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.

Question 22

What does “foramen” mean?

Answer 22

A hole in a bone for nerves or blood vessels to pass through.

Question 23

What is a “process” on a bone?

Answer 23

A projection where muscles or ligaments attach.

Question 24

What is a “fossa”?

Answer 24

A shallow depression on a bone’s surface.

Question 25

What is a “condyle”?

Answer 25

A rounded articular surface at the end of a bone.

Question 26

What are the main cranial bones?

Answer 26

Frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid.

Question 27

Which cranial bone forms the forehead?

Answer 27

Frontal bone.

Question 28

What is the function of the foramen magnum?

Answer 28

Allows the spinal cord to pass through the occipital bone.

Question 29

Which bone forms the bridge between cranial and facial bones?

Answer 29

Sphenoid bone.

Question 30

What are the main facial bones?

Answer 30

Maxilla, zygomatic, mandible, nasal bones, nasal conchae, and nasal septum.

Question 31

What are three main functions of the facial bones?

Answer 31

Support cavities for sense organs, provide attachment for muscles, and protect openings (e.g. nasal and oral).

Question 32

What are paranasal sinuses?

Answer 32

Air-filled cavities in cranial bones that lighten the skull and help with sound resonance.

Question 33

Why do infants have fontanelles (soft spots)?

Answer 33

To allow skull flexibility during birth and accommodate brain growth.

Question 34

How many vertebrae make up the vertebral column?

Answer 34

26 vertebrae.

Question 35

What are the five regions of the vertebral column and their vertebrae counts?

Answer 35

Cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacrum (5 fused), coccyx (4 fused).

Question 36

What are the main functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 36

Support, protection of the spinal cord, and movement flexibility.

Question 37

What is the function of intervertebral discs?

Answer 37

Shock absorption and separation of vertebral bodies.

Question 38

What are the main components of a typical vertebra?

Answer 38

Body, vertebral arch (pedicle + lamina), spinous process, transverse process, articular processes.

Question 39

What does the vertebral foramen contain?

Answer 39

The spinal cord.

Question 40

Describe cervical vertebrae features.

Answer 40

Small oval body, transverse foramina, bifid spinous process.

Question 41

Describe thoracic vertebrae features.

Answer 41

Heart-shaped body, costal facets for ribs, long downward spinous process.

Question 42

Describe lumbar vertebrae features.

Answer 42

Massive body, short thick spinous process, blade-like transverse process.

Question 43

What are the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) specialized for?

Answer 43

Atlas supports the skull (nodding), Axis allows rotation (head turning).

Question 44

What bones make up the thoracic cage?

Answer 44

Sternum, ribs, thoracic vertebrae, and costal cartilages.

Question 45

What are the functions of the thoracic cage?

Answer 45

Protect heart and lungs, support shoulder girdles, and enable breathing movement.

Question 46

How many pairs of ribs are there?

Answer 46

12 pairs.

Question 47

What are true ribs?

Answer 47

The first 7 pairs that connect directly to the sternum via costal cartilage.

Question 48

What are false ribs?

Answer 48

The lower 5 pairs; they attach indirectly or not at all to the sternum (last two are floating).

Question 49

How does rib structure aid ventilation?

Answer 49

Curvature and cartilage allow expansion and contraction during breathing.

Question 50

What are the main components of the appendicular skeleton?

Answer 50

Pectoral girdle, upper limbs, pelvic girdle, and lower limbs.

Question 51

What bones make up the pectoral girdle?

Answer 51

Clavicles and scapulae.

Question 52

What are the main functions of the pectoral girdle?

Answer 52

Support the arm and allow wide range of shoulder movement.

Question 53

What part of the scapula articulates with the humerus?

Answer 53

The glenoid cavity.

Question 54

What are the main bones of the upper limb?

Answer 54

Humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges.

Question 55

Which bone is lateral in the forearm (thumb side)?

Answer 55

Radius.

Question 56

Which bone forms the point of the elbow?

Answer 56

Olecranon of the ulna.

Question 57

What happens during pronation of the forearm?

Answer 57

The radius crosses over the ulna.

Question 58

What bones form the pelvic girdle?

Answer 58

Two os coxae (each composed of ilium, ischium, pubis), sacrum, and coccyx.

Question 59

What are the main functions of the pelvis?

Answer 59

Support body weight, protect organs, attach lower limbs.

Question 60

What are the major features of the coxal bone?

Answer 60

Iliac crest, acetabulum, and ischial tuberosity.

Question 61

What are the main bones of the lower limb?

Answer 61

Femur, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, phalanges.

Question 62

Which bone bears the most body weight in the lower leg?

Answer 62

Tibia.

Question 63

What bone forms the heel?

Answer 63

Calcaneus.

Question 64

Which bone articulates with both tibia and fibula at the ankle?

Answer 64

Talus.

Question 65

What is the function of the foot’s arches?

Answer 65

Absorb shock and distribute body weight.

Question 66

How does the male pelvis differ from the female pelvis?

Answer 66

Male: narrower, taller, heart-shaped inlet. Female: wider, shallower, rounder inlet.

Question 67

Why are there structural differences between male and female pelves?

Answer 67

Adaptations for childbirth in females.

Question 68

What is the best way to learn anatomy terminology?

Answer 68

Treat it like learning a new language — read, cover, recall, check.

Question 69

What is a mnemonic and how is it useful?

Answer 69

A memory aid formed from initials or patterns (e.g. “Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can’t Handle” for carpals).

Question 70

What resources should be used for learning A&P terminology?

Answer 70

Textbook glossary, practical handbook, and verified online anatomy mnemonics.

Question 71

What is the key function of the axial skeleton?

Answer 71

Protection and support of vital organs.

Question 72

What is the key function of the appendicular skeleton?

Answer 72

Facilitation of movement and interaction with the environment.

Question 73

Why do different bones have different shapes?

Answer 73

Structure reflects function (form follows function).