THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
The bones of the skeleton are part of the skeletal system, which also includes joints, cartilages, and
ligaments (fibrous cords that bind the bones together at joints). The adult skeleton is comprised of
206 bones. There are 126 bones in the appendicular skeleton and 80 in the axial skeleton. Knowledge
of the skeletal system bone structure is important for understanding the physiology and mechanics of
body movement and muscle action.
IDENTIFY AND LABEL THE PARTS OF THE OF THE FOLLOWING PICTURES BELOW.
1. Skull
A – Coronal Suture G – Optic Canal M – Infraorbital Foramen
B – Frontal Bone H – Ethmoid Bone N – Inferior Nasal Concha
C – Parietal Bone I – Temporal Bone O – Maxilla
D – Nasal Bone J – Lacrimal Bone P – Vomer
E – Superior Orbital Fissure K – Zygomatic Bone Q – Mandible
F – Sphenoid Bone L – Middle Nasal Concha R – Alveolar Processes
of Ethmoid Bone S – Mental Foramen
2. Long bone
A – Proximal Epiphysis E – Spongy Bone K – Compact Bone
B – Diaphysis F – Epiphyseal Line
C – Distal Epiphysis G – Periosteum
D – Articular Cartilage H – Medullary Cavity
3. Vertebral column
Anterior Posterior
A – 1st Cervical Vertebra (Atlas) Z – Cervical Curvature
B – 2nd Cervical Vertebra (Axis) Y – Thoracic Curvature
C – 1stt Thoracic Vertebra X – Lumbar Curvature
D – Transverse Process W – Sacral Curvature
E – Spinous Process V – Coccyx
F – Intervertebral Disc
G – Intervertebral Foramen
H – 1st Lumbar Vertebra
4. Hand
A – Distal I – Trapezium
B – Middle J – Trapezoid
C – Proximal K – Scaphoid
D – Hamate L – Capitate
E – Pisiform M – Radius
F – Triquetrum Z – Phalanges (Fingers)
G – Lunate X – Metacarpals (Palm)
H – Ulna Y – Carpals (Wrist)
5. Foot
A – Distal E – Medial Cuneiform I – Lateral Cuneiform
B – Middle F – Intermediate Cuneiform J – Cuboid
C – Proximal G – Navicular K – Calcaneus
D – Metatarsals H – Talus
QUESTIONS
1. Classify the bones and place a CHECK mark on the appropriate column.
BONES LONG SHORT FLAT IRREGULAR
Calcaneus ̸̸
Fibula ̸
Frontal ̸
Humerus ̸
Metacarpal ̸
Patella ̸
Phalanx ̸
Rib ̸
Temporal ̸
Temporal ̸
2. Describe the movement of each joint below and identify the
location where the movement can occur in body.
JOINT MOVEMENT LOCATION
Ball-and-socket abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, between humerus and
circumduction, medial rotation, lateral pectoral girdle
rotation
Condylar forward-backward and side to side, does wrist joints, elbow,
not allow rotation carpals of the wrist, base
of the index finger
Hinge one direction, back and forth elbow, knee,
interphalangeal joints of
hand and foot, tibiotalar
joint of ankle
Plane gliding, sliding in the same plane as the carpal bones of wrist,
articular surfaces tarsal bones of foot,
between clavicle and
acromion of the scapula,
zygapophysial joints
Pivot rotary movement around a single axis elbow
Saddle flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, thumb, thorax, middle
circumduction, axial rotation is not allowed ear, heel
3. Explain the five functions of the skeletal system.
1. Allows movement – the joints in the skeletal system allows the bones to change
shape and positions which makes it possible to produce movements.
2. Supports the body – the skeleton’s flexibility and rigidness acts as the framework
which supports and also gives shape to the body.
3. Produces blood cells – the red marrow that is mainly found in the flat bones is
responsible for the forming of red and white blood cells.
4. Protects internal organs – some parts of the skeletal system enclosed various
organs in the body such as the heart, brain, and lungs, with this the skeleton that
encloses the organs can provide protection and harm from any traumas.
5. Stores and releases minerals and fats – the bone has a mineral component which
provides a mineral reservoir that can be used as needed, also the red marrow and
yellow marrow found in the central cavity of long bones are a storage site for fats.