Skeletal System Basics

Question 1

List the functions of the skeletal system.

Answer 1

• Supports and helps shape the body
• Protects vital organs
• Movement
• Manufactures blood cells
• Storage

Question 2

List the two categories of the skeletal system and what each are made of.

Answer 2

1. Axial Skeleton
   
   • Skull, Ribs, Spine, Sacrum, Coccycx
2. Appendicular Skeleton
   
   • Appendages, shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle

Question 3

Discuss the composition of bone.

Answer 3

Compact:
- hard outer shell
Cancellous:
- porous and spongy inside called the trabeculae
- makes bones lighter
- found in articular ends of long bones

Question 4

Discuss the structure of bones.

Answer 4

Epiphysis
- area at the end of bones
Epiphyseal plate
- cartilaginous area where growth occurs in long bones
Diaphysis
- main shaft of bone with medullary canal center
Metaphysis
- flared part of bone at the end of the diaphysis
Endosteum
- lines the medullary canal and contains osteoclasts
Periosteum
- fibrous membrane that covers the entire bone except for the articular ends
- contains nerves and blood vessels
- attachement for tendons and ligaments

Question 5

Discuss the types of bones (5) and gives an example of each.

Answer 5

1. Long Bones
   - Longer than they are wide; femur, phalanges, etc
2. Short Bones
   - as long as they are wide; carpals, tarsals
3. Flat Bones
   - Broad surface, minimal thickness; skull bones, ribs, sternum
4. Irregular Bones
   - facial bones, vertebra
5. Sesamoid Bones
   - bone in a tendon; patella (largest)