Skeletal System - Tutorial 2

Question 1

State six functions of the skeletal system

Answer 1

1. Provide support by acting as a structural framework and a point of attachment for tendons and ligaments
2. Protect the internal organs (brain, heart, lungs, etc)
3. Assist body movements (in conjunction with muscles)
4. Store and release calcium and phosphorus
5. House the red bone marrow which produces blood cells
6. Store triglycerides in adipose cells of yellow marrow

Question 2

Name the two divisions of the skeleton

Answer 2

• Axial skeleton
• Appendicular skeleton

Question 3

State the specific function of each division

Answer 3

• Axial - it provides support and protection
• Appendicular - It provides mobility for manipulation and locomotion

Question 4

Name the five types of bones and give an example for each type

Answer 4

• Long Bone - Humerus
• Short Bone - Carpal and Tarsal Bone
• Irregular Bone - Vertebra
• Flat Bone - Sternum, Ribs, Scapulae
• Sesamoid Bone - Patella

Question 5

Name the cranial bones and describe their collective function

Answer 5

• Frontal Bone
• Temporal Bone
• Parietal Bone
• Occipital Bone
• Enclose and protect the fragile brain and the outer surface of the cranial bones provides attachment for muscles that stabilize and move the head

Question 6

Name the four major facial bones

Answer 6

• Nasal Bone
• Zygomatic Bone
• Maxilla Bone
• Mandible

Question 7

State three functions of the paranasal sinuses

Answer 7

• Reduce the weight of the skull
• Help to resonate vocal sounds
• Are lined with mucous membranes that humidify and warm air

Question 8

State three functions of the vertebral column

Answer 8

• Transmits the weight of the trunk to the lower limbs
• Surrounds and protects the delicate spinal cord
• Provides attachment points for the ribs and muscles of the back and neck

Question 9

Name the five sections of the vertebral column and state the number of vertebrae in each section

Answer 9

• Cervical vertebrae (7)
• Thoracic vertebrae (12)
• Lumbar vertebrae (5)
• Sacrum (5 fused together)
• Coccyx

Question 10

Name the four normal curves of the vertebral column

Answer 10

1. Cervical Curvature
2. Thoracic Curvature
3. Lumbar Curvature
4. Sacral Curvature

Question 11

Name and describe three abnormalities of spinal curves

Answer 11

• Kyphosis - A dorsally exaggerated thoracic curve, most common on older females with osteoporosis
• Lordosis - Accented lumbar curve, may be caused by increased weight in the anterior of the body
• Scoliosis - Lateral curvature of thoracic region, occurs in late childhood

Question 12

State the location and function of the intervertebral discs

Answer 12

Between adjacent vertebrae - absorb compressive force and permit movement of the vertebral column

Question 13

State three functions of the thoracic cage

Answer 13

1. Protects heart, lungs and great blood vessels
2. Supports the shoulder girdles and upper limbs
   3.Provides attachment points for muscles of the neck, back, chest and shoulders

Question 14

State the number of ribs

Answer 14

12 pairs

Question 15

Explain the difference between true and floating ribs

Answer 15

• True ribs - first 7 pairs of ribs attach to sternum via costal cartilages
• Floating ribs - 11th and 12th pair because their cartilages are embedded in the muscles of the lateral body wall

Question 16

State the function of the clavicle and scapula

Answer 16

Clavicle - Transmits mechanical force from the upper limb to the trunk

Scapula - provides points of attachment for muscles

Question 17

Describe the function of the glenoid cavity

Answer 17

Glenoid cavity - A shallow socket for the head of the humerus

Question 18

In sequence from proximal to distal name (and label) the bones of the upper limb (arm)

Answer 18

• Humerus
• Ulna and Radius
• Carpals
• Metacarpals
• Phalanges

Question 19

State the function of the pelvis

Answer 19

Pelvis - provides strong/stable weight - bearing support

Question 20

Describe four differences between the male and female pelvis

Answer 20

Male
- Larger and Heavier, larger muscle attachments
- Pubic arch (subpubic angle) above 90 degrees
- Pelvic brim narrow and heart shaped
- Pelvis narrower and deeper

Female
- Smaller and lighter
- Pubic arch (subpubic angle) below 90 degrees
- Pelvic brim wider and more oval
- Pelvis wider and shallower (to allow for birth of baby)

Question 21

In sequence from proximal to distal name (and label) the bones of the lower limb (leg)

Answer 21

• Femur
• Patella
• Tibia
• Fibula
• Tarsal Bones
• Metatarsals
• Phalanges

Question 22

State the location of the calcaneus bone

Answer 22

At the heel of the foot