Introduction to Anatomy: The Skeletal System

Overview

• Introduction to the skeletal system.
• Explanation of the functions of the skeletal system.
• Description of the shapes and categories of bones.
• Introduction to major bones of the human skeleton.
• Includes quizzes to test knowledge.

Navigation

• Two ways to navigate the module:
  1. Scroll through the PDF.
  2. Click on the title headings on the left side.

Functions of the Skeletal System

• Provides body support.
• Stores minerals (calcium, phosphate).
• Produces red blood cells.
• Protects organs and tissues.
• Enables movement (bones act as levers).

Skeleton Divisions

• Axial Skeleton: Includes skull, vertebrae, sternum, ribs, and sacrum.
• Appendicular Skeleton: Includes upper and lower limb bones, scapula, clavicles, and hip bones.

Bone Shapes

• Long Bones: Longer than wide (e.g., Humerus).
• Short Bones: As wide as long (e.g., Carpal bones).
• Irregular Bones: Complex shapes (e.g., Spinal vertebrae).
• Flat Bones: Flat and light (e.g., Rib bones).
• Sesamoid Bones: Flat, small, round (e.g., Patella).

Skull Bones

• Parietal, Frontal, Nasal, Sphenoid, Zygomatic, Occipital, Temporal, Maxilla, Mandible.

Vertebrae (Spine)

Spinal Vertebrae Categories

• Cervical: 7 bones.
• Thoracic: 12 bones.
• Lumbar: 5 bones.
• Sacrum: 5 fused bones.
• Coccyx: 3-5 fused bones.

Memorization Hints

• Cervical: "Cereal for breakfast at 7:00 am."
• Thoracic: "Tasty lunch at 12:00 pm."
• Lumbar: "Light dinner at 5:00 pm."

Cervical Vertebrae Details

• C1/Atlas: Articulates with skull, allows nodding (Yes).
• C2/Axis: Articulates with C1, allows head rotation (No).

Other Vertebrae Characteristics

• Thoracic: Long spinous processes, articulate with ribs.
• Lumbar: Thick vertebral bodies.
• Sacrum: Articulates with Coxal bones.

Upper Limb Bones

• Clavicle, Scapula, Humerus, Ulna, Radius, Carpals, Metacarpals, Phalanges.
• Memorization Hint: The RADIUS is the forearm bone closest to the thumb.
• Fun Fact: The tingling sensation on hitting the funny bone is due to the Ulnar Nerve.

Hip (Coxal) Bones

• Comprised of Iliac, Pubic, and Ischium bones.
• Fully fused by age 25.

Lower Limb Bones

• Femur, Patella, Tibia, Fibula, Tarsals, Metatarsals, Phalanges.
• Memorization Hint: Patella is a Sesamoid bone like a sesame seed.
• Fun Fact: Femur is the longest bone, about 1/4th of height.

Quizzes

Quiz 1

• Identifies anatomical regions for given bones.

Quiz 2

• Match bones to anatomical terms.

Quiz Answer Keys

• Detailed answers for both quizzes provided.

Index: Bones by Shape

• Organized by shape: Flat, Irregular, Long, Short, Sesamoid.

Acknowledgements

• Created for UBC MDUP FLEX 429.
• Contributors: Kimberlee Hart, Kurt McBurney.
• Inspired by EPHE 141 Human Anatomy Lab.
• References include works by Cohen, Jones, Martini, Moore, and others.
• Medical Illustrations by Paige Blumer.