Appendicular System

• What is the primary function of the appendicular skeleton?

  Movement
• What are the components of the appendicular skeleton?

  • Shoulder girdle
  • Upper extremity
  • Pelvic girdle
  • Lower extremity
• How does the appendicular skeleton contribute to movement?

  It works in conjunction with skeletal muscles to allow us to move.
• What bones make up the pectoral girdle?

  • Clavicle
  • Scapula
• What is the role of the pectoral girdle?


  It attaches the upper limb to the axial skeleton.
• What is the only articular surface of the pectoral girdle with the axial skeleton?

  The sternoclavicular joint.
• How does the scapula articulate with the clavicle?

  At the acromioclavicular joint.
• What is the significance of the scapula's articulation with the humerus?

  It forms the glenohumeral joint, allowing shoulder movement.
• What shape is the clavicle?

  1. shaped.
• Where is the medial end of the clavicle located?

  It is the sternal end, rounded and articulates with the manubrium.
• What is the conoid tubercle on the clavicle?

  It is a point of attachment for a ligament to the scapula.
• Why is the mid region of the clavicle significant?

  It is the weakest area and a common site of fractures.
• What is the shape and location of the scapula?

  It is a large, triangular, flat bone in the posterior superior thorax.
• What is the spine of the scapula?

  It is a prominent ridge on the scapula.
• What is the acromion of the scapula?

  It is the lateral end of the spine that forms a process easily palpated as the most superior part of the shoulder.
• What is the glenoid cavity?

  It is just inferior to the acromion and articulates with the humerus.
• What passes over the suprascapular notch?

  The suprascapular nerve.
• What is the function of the coracoid process on the scapula?

  It serves as a point of attachment for tendons of muscles and ligaments to the clavicle.
• What are the two fossae on the posterior surface of the scapula?

  They serve as attachment points for the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles of the rotator cuff.
• What is the subscapular fossa?

  It is on the anterior surface of the scapula and serves as an attachment point for the subscapularis muscle.
• How many bones are in the upper extremity and what are their regions?

  • 30 bones total
  • Arm: 1 bone (humerus)
  • Forearm: 2 bones (ulna and radius)
  • Hand: 8 carpals, 5 metacarpals, 14 phalanges
• What is the longest and largest bone of the upper limb?

  The humerus.
• How does the humerus articulate with the scapula?

  Proximally at the glenohumeral joint.
• What is the anatomical neck of the humerus?

  It is visible as an oblique groove and is the site of the epiphyseal growth plate/line.
• What are the greater and lesser tubercles on the humerus?

  They are lateral and anterior projections, respectively.
• What is the surgical neck of the humerus?

  It is a narrowing of the humerus distal to the tubercles and a frequent site of fractures.
• What is the deltoid tuberosity on the humerus?

  It is a roughened V-shaped area in the mid body that serves as an attachment point for the deltoid muscle.
• What does the radial groove on the humerus contain?

  The radial nerve.
• What is the capitulum on the humerus?

  It is a rounded knob on the lateral side of the distal humerus that articulates with the radial head.
• What is the radial fossa on the humerus?

  It is proximal to the capitulum and articulates with the radial head when the forearm is flexed.
• What is the trochlea on the humerus?

  It is a spool-shaped surface that articulates with the ulna.
• What is the coronoid fossa on the humerus?

  It is a depression that receives the coronoid process when the forearm is flexed.
• What is the olecranon fossa on the humerus?

  It receives the olecranon process posteriorly when the forearm is extended.
• Where do most tendons of forearm muscles attach on the humerus?

  At the medial and lateral epicondyles.
• What runs posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus?

  The ulnar nerve.
• What is the ulna?

  The medial forearm bone.
• What is the olecranon on the ulna?

  It is the proximal end and posterior elbow prominence.
• What is the coronoid process on the ulna?

  It is the proximal anterior projection that articulates with the trochlea of the humerus.
• What is the trochlear notch on the ulna?

  It is located between the olecranon and the coronoid process.
• What is the radial notch on the ulna?

  It articulates with the head of the radius.