7.1 Divisions of the Skeletal System
3 min read•june 18, 2024
The skeletal system is our body's framework, providing support, protection, and movement. It's divided into the , which forms our central axis, and the , which includes our limbs and the structures that attach them to our core.
Our isn't just for structure - it's a multitasker. It shields vital organs, stores minerals, and even produces blood cells. From the protecting our brain to the tiny bones in our toes, each part plays a crucial role in keeping us moving and functioning.
Functions and Divisions of the Skeletal System
Functions of skeletal system
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- Provides structural framework for the body serves as attachment points for muscles, tendons, and enabling movement and support
- Shields vital organs from injury protects brain, vertebrae protect spinal cord, protects heart and lungs
- Stores minerals calcium and phosphate in bone matrix released into bloodstream to maintain homeostasis (calcium balance)
- Produces blood cells through red bone marrow generates (red blood cells), (white blood cells), and (platelets)
Axial vs appendicular skeletons
- forms vertical axis of body consists of 80 bones , , rib cage, primarily involved in protection and support
- composed of bones of appendages (limbs) and girdles that attach them to axial skeleton consists of 126 bones and upper limbs, pelvic girdle and lower limbs primarily involved in movement and locomotion (walking, running)
Components of axial skeleton
- Skull divided into (brain case) frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid bones and facial bones , zygomatic, nasal, lacrimal, palatine, , bones also includes (lower jaw)
- 33 vertebrae divided into five regions cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacral (5 fused), coccygeal (4 fused) with between vertebrae
- Rib cage 12 pairs of (1-7) directly attach to via , (8-12) indirectly attach or do not attach to sternum ribs 8-10 attach to costal of rib above, ribs 11-12 () do not attach to sternum
- Sternum (breastbone) composed of , body, and
Structures of appendicular skeleton
- Pectoral girdle includes (collarbone) and (shoulder blade)
- Upper limbs consist of:
- (upper arm bone)
- and (forearm bones)
- (wrist bones)
- (hand bones)
- (finger bones)
- Pelvic girdle composed of () , , pubis and , (part of axial skeleton but functionally part of pelvic girdle)
- Lower limbs include:
- (thigh bone)
- (kneecap)
- and (lower leg bones)
- (ankle bones)
- (foot bones)
- Phalanges (toe bones)
Skeletal system components and development
- : provides structure and strength to the skeleton
- : connect bones and allow for movement
- Ligaments: tough connective tissue that binds bones together at joints
- Cartilage: flexible connective tissue found in joints, rib cage, and other areas
- : process by which bone tissue forms and develops
Key Terms to Review (106)
Appendicular skeleton: The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the girdles (shoulder and pelvic) that connect them to the axial skeleton. It facilitates movement and interaction with our environment.
Appendicular Skeleton: The appendicular skeleton is the part of the human skeletal system that is composed of the bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the girdles that attach the limbs to the axial skeleton. It is responsible for facilitating movement and providing support for the body's extremities.
Auricular surface of the ilium: The auricular surface of the ilium is a part of the pelvic bone that articulates with the sacrum to form the sacroiliac joint, contributing to the stability and flexibility of the pelvic girdle. It is characterized by its ear-like shape and rough surface, which increases friction and facilitates the firm attachment of ligaments.
Axial skeleton: The axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton that consists of the bones of the head and trunk of a vertebrate, including the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. It serves as the central structure for supporting and protecting the brain, spinal cord, and many vital organs.
Axial Skeleton: The axial skeleton is the central core of the human skeletal system, consisting of the skull, hyoid bone, auditory ossicles, and the bony thorax, including the ribs and sternum. It forms the central axis of the body and provides a sturdy framework to support and protect vital organs.
Bone Tissue: Bone tissue is a specialized connective tissue that forms the skeletal system, providing structure, support, and protection for the body. It is a dynamic and living tissue that undergoes constant remodeling and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes.
Carpals: The carpals are a group of eight small bones located in the wrist region, forming the connection between the forearm and the hand. These bones play a crucial role in the overall structure and function of the upper limb, as they facilitate the intricate movements and flexibility required for various manual tasks.
Cartilage: Cartilage is a firm, flexible connective tissue that provides structure, support, and protection in various parts of the body. It is a specialized type of connective tissue that differs from bone in its composition and function.
Cervical vertebrae: The cervical vertebrae are the seven vertebrae located in the neck region of the vertebral column. They support the skull, enable a range of head movements, and protect the spinal cord that passes through them.
Cervical Vertebrae: The cervical vertebrae are the seven uppermost vertebrae in the spinal column, located in the neck region. They play a crucial role in supporting and providing mobility to the head and neck.
Clavicle: The clavicle, commonly known as the collarbone, is a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum or breastbone. It plays a critical role in providing structural support and facilitating movement within the pectoral (shoulder) girdle.
Clavicle: The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is a long, slender bone that connects the shoulder blade (scapula) to the sternum (breastbone). It is an essential part of the pectoral girdle, which forms the attachment point for the upper limb to the axial skeleton.
Coccygeal Vertebrae: The coccygeal vertebrae are the small, fused vertebrae that make up the coccyx, or tailbone, at the inferior end of the vertebral column. They represent the remnants of a tail in humans and other primates.
Coccyx: The coccyx, often referred to as the tailbone, is a small bone located at the base of the vertebral column. It is composed of three to five fused vertebrae and serves as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor.
Coccyx: The coccyx is the small, triangular bone located at the bottom of the vertebral column, formed by the fusion of 3-5 small vertebrae. It serves as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments, and plays a role in various bodily functions and anatomical structures covered in the topics of bone classification, the skeletal system, the vertebral column, the pelvic girdle and pelvis, and the appendicular muscles of the pelvic girdle and lower limbs.
Condylar process of the mandible: The condylar process of the mandible is a rounded projection at the top of the mandible (lower jawbone) that connects to the temporal bone of the skull, forming part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It allows for movement of the jaw such as opening, closing, and lateral movements.
Costal Cartilage: Costal cartilage is the flexible connective tissue that connects the ribs to the sternum, or breastbone, in the human skeletal system. It plays a crucial role in the divisions of the skeletal system by providing a flexible link between the axial and appendicular skeletons.
Coxal Bones: The coxal bones, also known as the hip bones, are a pair of large, irregularly shaped bones that form the lateral and anterior walls of the pelvis. They play a crucial role in the skeletal system by providing a sturdy framework for the lower body and facilitating movement and weight-bearing functions.
Cranium: The cranium is the part of the skull that encloses the brain, composed of eight interlocking bones. It provides protection for the brain and supports facial structures.
Cranium: The cranium, also known as the skull, is the bony structure that encloses and protects the brain. It is the uppermost part of the skeletal system and plays a crucial role in the functions of the skeletal system as well as the divisions of the skeletal system.
Development of the Appendicular Skeleton: The development of the appendicular skeleton involves the formation and growth of the bones that make up the limbs, shoulders, and pelvic areas of the human body. It is a crucial aspect of fetal growth and continues to develop through childhood into early adulthood.
Ear ossicles: Ear ossicles are three small bones located in the middle ear, named the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup), which transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. They are the smallest bones in the human body and play a crucial role in the process of hearing by amplifying sound vibrations.
Erythrocytes: Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells (RBCs), are the most abundant type of blood cells in the human body. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body\'s tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs, playing a crucial role in the functions of human life, supporting and protecting connective tissue, and maintaining the overall health and homeostasis of the body.
Ethmoid Bone: The ethmoid bone is a delicate, sieve-like bone located at the anterior base of the cranium. It is a crucial component of the nasal cavity and plays a vital role in the structure and function of the skull.
False ribs: False ribs are the five lower ribs (8th to 12th) that do not directly attach to the sternum but either connect indirectly via cartilage or not at all. The false ribs include both the floating ribs (11th and 12th) which have no anterior attachment, and the ribs (8th to 10th) that connect to the cartilage of the rib above.
False Ribs: False ribs, also known as floating ribs, are the two lowest pairs of ribs in the human skeletal system that do not directly connect to the sternum. They play a crucial role in the structure and function of the thoracic cage, which is the focus of the topics 7.1 Divisions of the Skeletal System and 7.4 The Thoracic Cage.
Femoropatellar joint: The femoropatellar joint is the point of articulation between the patella (kneecap) and the femur (thigh bone), functioning within the knee as a type of synovial joint. It facilitates movements such as bending and straightening of the knee, playing a critical role in walking, running, and jumping.
Femur: The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, located in the thigh, and plays a crucial role in supporting weight and facilitating movement. Its unique structure allows it to bear significant loads, connecting the pelvis to the knee and serving as an essential component of the lower limb's anatomy and function.
Fibula: The fibula is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg, located on the lateral side of the tibia. It plays an important role in the skeletal system, lower limb development, and various joints and muscles of the lower extremity.
Floating Ribs: Floating ribs are the last two pairs of ribs in the rib cage that do not attach to the sternum or to other ribs. These ribs, known as the 11th and 12th ribs, are considered atypical because their free ends do not connect to the anterior thoracic wall, providing a degree of flexibility and protection to the lower back region. This unique structure highlights the differences in rib types within the skeletal system and emphasizes the thoracic cage's function in protecting vital organs.
Frontal bone: The frontal bone is a large bone at the front of the skull that forms the forehead, the roofs of the orbits (eye sockets), and most of the anterior part of the cranial floor. It also contains sinuses known as frontal sinuses, which are air-filled cavities that reduce the weight of the skull and improve voice resonance.
Frontal Bone: The frontal bone is one of the eight cranial bones that form the anterior portion of the skull. It is responsible for the formation of the forehead and the upper part of the orbital cavities, which house the eyes.
Greater wings of sphenoid bone: The greater wings of the sphenoid bone are large, wing-shaped extensions on either side of the sphenoid bone, contributing to the floors of the middle cranial fossa and the orbits. They play a crucial role in forming part of the skull's base and sides, providing structural support for the brain and protection for several critical nerves and blood vessels.
Hematopoiesis: Hematopoiesis is the process by which the body produces blood cells and platelets, occurring primarily in the bone marrow. It involves the differentiation of multipotent stem cells into various types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Hematopoiesis: Hematopoiesis is the process by which blood cells are produced and replenished in the body. It is a crucial function that occurs within the connective tissue of the skeletal system, ensuring the continuous supply of various blood components essential for the body's health and function.
Hip Bones: The hip bones, also known as the pelvic girdle or os coxae, are the large, irregularly shaped bones that form the lower part of the axial skeleton and the upper part of the appendicular skeleton. They play a crucial role in the division of the skeletal system.
Humerus: The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm that runs from the shoulder to the elbow, connecting with both the scapula at the shoulder joint and the radius and ulna at the elbow joint. It plays a critical role in both the mobility and stability of the upper limb.
Humerus: The humerus is the upper arm bone, connecting the shoulder to the elbow. It is the longest, largest, and strongest bone in the upper limb and plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the arm and shoulder.
Ilium: The ilium is the largest and uppermost part of the hip bone, forming the upper portion of the pelvic girdle. It is a crucial component of the skeletal system, playing a significant role in the divisions of the skeletal system, the pelvic girdle and pelvis, the development of the appendicular skeleton, and the appendicular muscles of the pelvic girdle and lower limbs.
Inferior Nasal Conchae: The inferior nasal conchae are small, curved bony projections that protrude from the lateral walls of the nasal cavity. They are part of the skeletal system and play a crucial role in the structure and function of the nose.
Intervertebral Discs: Intervertebral discs are flexible, cushion-like structures located between the vertebrae of the spine. They serve to connect and support the vertebrae, absorb shock, and facilitate spinal flexibility and movement.
Ischium: The ischium is one of the three bones that make up the pelvis, specifically forming the lower and back part of the hip bone. It supports weight when sitting and connects with the ilium and pubis at the acetabulum, where it contributes to the socket for the femur.
Ischium: The ischium is one of the three major bones that make up the pelvic girdle, along with the ilium and pubis. It is the lowest and posterior portion of the hip bone and plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the pelvis and lower limbs.
Joints: Joints are the connections between two or more bones in the body that allow for movement and flexibility. They play a crucial role in the structural organization of the human body by facilitating movement, supporting weight, and providing stability to the skeletal system. Joints can be classified based on their structure and function, making them essential for various bodily movements and activities.
Lacrimal Bone: The lacrimal bone is a small, thin, and irregularly shaped bone located at the front of the eye socket, forming part of the bony orbit that surrounds and protects the eye. It plays a crucial role in the anatomy and function of the lacrimal system, which is responsible for the production and drainage of tears.
Lateral condyle of the tibia: The lateral condyle of the tibia is one of two rounded prominences located at the upper part of the tibia (shinbone), specifically on its outer side, where it articulates with the femur and fibula to form part of the knee joint. It serves as a site for muscle attachment and plays a crucial role in supporting the body's weight during movement.
Leukocytes: Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are a vital component of the body's immune system. They play a crucial role in defending the body against infections, diseases, and foreign substances by detecting and destroying pathogens, clearing cellular debris, and coordinating the overall immune response.
Ligaments: Ligaments are flexible, fibrous connective tissue structures that connect bones to bones, stabilizing and supporting the skeletal system. They play a crucial role in the classification, anatomy, and development of joints throughout the body.
Lumbar vertebrae: The lumbar vertebrae are the five vertebrae located between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacral region of the spinal column, specifically designed to support a large portion of the body's weight and enable flexible movement. These vertebrae are larger and stronger than those in other regions of the spine, reflecting their load-bearing role.
Lumbar Vertebrae: The lumbar vertebrae are the five largest and strongest vertebrae in the vertebral column, located in the lower back region. They play a crucial role in supporting the weight of the upper body and facilitating movement and flexibility in the lower back.
Mandible: The mandible is the largest, strongest, and lowest bone of the skull. It is the only movable bone of the skull and plays a crucial role in various functions, including chewing, speaking, and facial expressions.
Manubrium: The manubrium is the upper portion of the sternum, a flat bone located at the front center of the thoracic cage. It serves as an attachment point for the first two ribs and the clavicle.
Manubrium: The manubrium is the superior and widest part of the sternum, the central bone of the thoracic cage. It serves as an important anatomical landmark and attachment point for several key structures in the body.
Maxillae: The maxillae are a pair of irregularly shaped, complex bones that form the upper jaw and contribute to the structure of the face. They are essential components of the skeletal system and play a crucial role in the anatomy of the skull.
Metacarpals: The metacarpals are a group of five bones located in the palm of the hand, connecting the wrist to the fingers. These bones play a crucial role in the structure and function of the hand, providing a stable foundation for the fingers and enabling various hand movements.
Metatarsals: The metatarsals are a group of five bones located in the middle part of the foot, between the tarsal bones and the phalanges of the toes. These bones play a crucial role in the structure and function of the foot, providing a stable platform for weight-bearing and facilitating movement during activities such as walking and running.
Nasal Bone: The nasal bone is a small, paired bone located in the upper part of the face, forming the bridge of the nose. It is part of the skeletal system and plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the nose.
Occipital bone: The occipital bone is a cranial dermal bone located at the posterior part of the skull and is crucial in encasing and protecting the brain. It articulates with the first cervical vertebra (atlas) and contains the foramen magnum, through which the spinal cord connects to the brain.
Occipital Bone: The occipital bone is a flat, curved bone that forms the posterior and inferior portions of the skull. It is one of the eight cranial bones and plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the skull.
Ossification: Ossification is the process by which bone tissue forms, either through the transformation of connective tissue or the laying down of new bone material. It is a critical aspect of bone formation and development, and it also plays a role in the repair of bone fractures.
Palatine Bone: The palatine bone is a paired, irregularly shaped bone that forms the posterior part of the hard palate and contributes to the floor of the nasal cavity and the lateral wall of the nasopharynx. It is an integral component of the skeletal system's division of the axial skeleton.
Parietal Bone: The parietal bones are two large, curved bones located on the top and sides of the skull, forming the majority of the cranium. These bones play a crucial role in protecting the brain and providing structural support to the skull, connecting with several other bones to form the braincase.
Patella: The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is a small, flat, and triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. It is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body and plays a crucial role in the mechanics and function of the knee joint.
Pectoral Girdle: The pectoral girdle, also known as the shoulder girdle, is a set of bones that connects the upper limbs to the axial skeleton. It is responsible for the mobility and stability of the shoulder joints, allowing for a wide range of arm movements.
Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone: The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone is a thin, vertical bony structure that forms the upper part of the nasal septum, dividing the nasal cavity into two chambers. It extends downward from the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone in the skull.
Phalanges: The phalanges are the bones that make up the fingers and toes. They are the distal bones of the upper and lower limbs, responsible for the fine motor movements and dexterity of the hands and feet.
Posterior talofibular ligament: The posterior talofibular ligament is a strong, fibrous tissue that connects the talus bone in the ankle to the fibula, one of the bones in the lower leg, at their posterior (back) aspects. This ligament plays a crucial role in stabilizing the ankle joint and limiting its movement to prevent excessive motion that could lead to injury.
Radius: The radius is one of the two bones that make up the forearm, located on the lateral (thumb) side. It is responsible for rotating the forearm and wrist, allowing for a wide range of motion in the upper limb.
Rib Cage: The rib cage is a bony structure that forms the thoracic cavity, protecting the vital organs within the chest. It is a crucial component of the skeletal system and plays a significant role in the thoracic cage.
Ribs: Ribs are a set of long curved bones which form the rib cage, surrounding the chest to protect vital organs such as the heart and lungs. In humans, there are typically 12 pairs of ribs that attach to the vertebral column at the back and terminate at or near the sternum in front.
Sacral Vertebrae: The sacral vertebrae are a group of five fused bones located at the base of the spine, forming the sacrum. These vertebrae connect the spine to the pelvis and play a vital role in supporting the weight of the upper body while enabling movement and stability of the lower back and hips.
Sacrum: The sacrum is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine and at the upper and back part of the pelvic cavity, where it is inserted like a wedge between the two hip bones. It consists of five fused vertebrae which are merged together during adulthood to support the weight of the upper body when sitting and standing.
Sacrum: The sacrum is a large, triangular bone located at the base of the vertebral column. It is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae and serves as the connection between the spine and the pelvic girdle, playing a crucial role in the structure and function of the skeletal system.
Scapula: The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular bone that forms the posterior part of the pectoral girdle. It is a key component of the skeletal system, playing a crucial role in the structure and function of the upper limb.
Secondary ossification center: A secondary ossification center is the region in the epiphyses (ends) of long bones where bone tissue begins to form during fetal development and continues through adolescence. Unlike the primary ossification center in the diaphysis (shaft), these centers contribute to bone growth in length and commence after the primary centers are established.
Shaft of the radius: The shaft of the radius is the long, central part of the radius bone in the forearm, extending from below the head near the elbow to just above the wrist where it widens to form part of the wrist joint. It serves as a major structural component of the forearm, providing attachment sites for muscles and supporting movements of the wrist and hand.
Skeleton: The skeleton is the internal framework of the body, composed of bones and cartilage, which provides support, protection for internal organs, and enables movement. In the context of the axial skeleton, it specifically refers to the central core of the body including the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.
Skull: The skull is a bony structure that forms the head in the skeleton of vertebrates; it supports the structures of the face and provides a protective cavity for the brain. It consists of two parts: the cranium and the facial bones.
Skull: The skull is the bony structure that forms the head and protects the brain. It is a complex structure composed of multiple bones that fuse together to create a protective enclosure for the delicate neural tissue within.
Sphenoid Bone: The sphenoid bone is a complex, centrally located bone in the skull that plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the cranium. It is one of the seven bones that make up the neurocranium and is intimately involved in the divisions of the skeletal system, the overall structure of the skull, and the embryonic development of the axial skeleton.
Sternum: The sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the center of the chest. It connects to the rib bones via cartilage, forming the front part of the rib cage which protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
Sternum: The sternum is a flat, elongated bone located in the center of the chest that serves as the anterior portion of the thoracic cage. It plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the skeletal system.
Subscapular fossa: The subscapular fossa is a concave depression located on the anterior (frontal) surface of the scapula bone, serving as the attachment site for the subscapularis muscle. It plays a critical role in arm and shoulder movement by allowing for muscle attachment and facilitating upper limb mobility.
Superior articular process of the sacrum: The superior articular process of the sacrum is a paired anatomical structure located at the top part of the sacrum, which articulates (forms a joint) with the inferior articular processes of the lumbar vertebra above it. It plays a critical role in connecting the spine to the pelvis and contributes to the flexibility and movement of the lower back.
Suspensory ligaments: Suspensory ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that secure the ovaries to the lateral pelvic walls, providing support and maintaining their position in the female reproductive system. They contain blood vessels and nerves that supply the ovaries.
Tarsals: Tarsals are a group of seven bones located in the posterior part of the foot, forming the ankle and heel. These bones are an important component of the skeletal system, playing a crucial role in the classification, division, and development of the appendicular skeleton.
Temporal Bone: The temporal bone is one of the eight bones that make up the skull. It is located on the side and base of the cranium and plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the auditory and vestibular systems.
The Vertebral Column: The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, which encases and protects the spinal cord while providing structural support and flexibility to the body. It is composed of individual bones separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers.
Thoracic cage: The thoracic cage, also known as the rib cage, is a bony structure formed by the ribs, sternum, and part of the spine (thoracic vertebrae), providing protection for vital organs such as the heart and lungs. It also supports the shoulder girdle and upper limbs, and plays a key role in respiration.
Thoracic vertebrae: The thoracic vertebrae are a group of twelve vertebrae located in the middle section of the vertebral column, between the cervical vertebrae at the top and the lumbar vertebrae at the bottom. They are distinguished by the presence of facets on their sides for rib attachment, supporting the ribcage and playing a crucial role in protecting vital organs within the thorax.
Thoracic Vertebrae: The thoracic vertebrae are a set of 12 vertebrae that make up the middle portion of the vertebral column, also known as the spine. They play a crucial role in the structure and function of the thoracic cage, which houses and protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
Thrombocytes: Thrombocytes, commonly known as platelets, are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood that form clots to stop or prevent bleeding. They play a crucial role in the repair of damaged blood vessels.
Thrombocytes: Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are small, disc-shaped cell fragments found in the blood that play a crucial role in blood clotting and hemostasis. They are derived from the fragmentation of large cells called megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream, ready to respond to vascular injury.
Tibia: The tibia is the larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg, located between the knee and the ankle. It is a crucial component of the skeletal system, playing a vital role in various aspects of anatomy and physiology.
True ribs: True ribs are the first seven pairs of ribs that directly attach to the sternum via their own costal cartilages. They play a vital role in protecting the thoracic cavity and its organs, such as the heart and lungs.
True Ribs: True ribs, also known as vertebral or sternal ribs, are a set of ribs in the human skeletal system that are directly connected to the sternum at the anterior end and the vertebrae at the posterior end. These ribs play a crucial role in the structure and function of the thoracic cage.
Ulna: The ulna is one of the two bones that make up the forearm, located on the little finger side. It is responsible for several important functions related to the skeletal system, joint anatomy, and upper limb movement.
Ulnar nerve: The ulnar nerve is one of the major nerves of the arm, responsible for innervating (supplying with nerves) parts of the hand and facilitating muscle movement and sensation in the forearm and hand. It runs from the shoulder to the hand, passing through areas such as the inner elbow (often referred to when talking about hitting your "funny bone").
Vertebra: A vertebra is one of the small bones that form the vertebral column, or spine, each serving as a support for the body and a protective encasement for the spinal cord. They are connected in series from the skull base to the pelvis, allowing for both rigidity and flexibility.
Vertebral column: The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is a series of vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the tailbone. It functions to support the body's structure, protect the spinal cord, and enable flexible movement.
Vertebral Column: The vertebral column, also known as the spine or backbone, is a central structure of the skeletal system that provides support, protection, and flexibility to the body. It is composed of a series of interconnected vertebrae that extend from the base of the skull to the pelvis, forming the central axis of the body.
Vomer: The vomer is a thin, flat bone located in the midline of the nasal cavity that forms part of the nasal septum. It plays a crucial role in separating the left and right air passages and supports the structure of the nose, working in conjunction with other bones such as the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and cartilage. Understanding its position and function is key to grasping the anatomy of the skull and the respiratory system.
Xiphoid process: The xiphoid process is a small, cartilaginous projection at the lower end of the sternum, which becomes ossified (turned into bone) in adults. It serves as an attachment point for various muscles and ligaments involved in the functioning of the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and thoracic cage.
Xiphoid Process: The xiphoid process is a small, pointed projection of bone at the lower end of the sternum, the central bone of the chest wall. It serves as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments, and its position and shape can vary among individuals.
Zygomatic Bone: The zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone, is a paired bone located on the lateral aspect of the face. It is an important component of the skeletal system, contributing to the structure and function of the facial region.
Zygomatic process of the temporal bone: The zygomatic process of the temporal bone is a bony projection that extends from the temporal bone of the skull to articulate with the zygomatic bone, forming part of the cheekbone or zygoma. This connection helps form the prominence of the cheek and contributes to the facial structure and articulation with the jaw.