Chapter 6: The Skeletal System

Welcome back! This week we are focusing in on the skeletal system which is discussed in GREAT detail in Chapter 6 of our Anatomy & Physiology book.  Bones are classified by the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.  Then, they are further broken down into different classifications by their shape (long, short, flat and irregular bones).  The main functions of the skeletal system are support, protection, movement, mineral/growth factor storage, and blood cell formation.

There are a lot of different types of bone markings, bulges, depressions, and holes that are used for muscle, ligament, and tendon attachment, as joint surfaces, and lastly conduits for blood vessels and nerves. There are a bunch of names for there are different markings, I would recommend making notecards of all these terms for the test because these marking names seem like easy exam questions that you don’t want to miss! Here is a list of all the vocabulary that you should make sure you have memorized!

• ·         Process- any bony prominence
• ·         Tuberosity- rounded projection
• ·         Crest- narrow, prominent ridge of bone
• ·         Trochanter- large, blunt, irregular surface
• ·         Line- narrow ridge of bone
• ·         Tubercle- small rounded projection
• ·         Epicondyle- raised area above a condyle
• ·         Spine- sharp, slender projection
• ·         Head- bony expansion carried on a narrow neck
• ·         Facet- smooth, nearly flat articular surface
• ·         Condyle- rounded articular projection
• ·         Ramus- arm-like bar of bone
• ·         Meatus- canal-like passageway
• ·         Sinus- cavity within a bone
• ·         Fossa- shallow, basin-like depression
• ·         Groove- furrow
• ·         Fissure- narrow, slit-like opening
• ·         Foramen- round or oval opening through a bone

If you memorize these terms, it will be easier to be able to point out certain markings on specific bones during the exam. If you look at the structure that is being asked to identify, you will have these terms memorized and could use process of elimination to figure out the correct answer!

Next, I am briefly going to discuss the 2 different types of bone texture. The first is compact bone. This texture of bone is found right on the inside of the articular cartilage of the bone. It is mostly there for protection. The second texture of bone is spongy bone. This is like honeycomb of trabeculae foiled and it contains red or yellow bone marrow. It is located in the center of the bone.

Remember to keep reviewing and reading for more studying tips and key points from the book!

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