Skeletal System

• Parts of the Axial Skeleton

  • Skull
  • Vertebral column
  • Thorax
• Functions of the skeleton

  • Provides framework for the body and gives it shape
  • Attachment points for muscles
  • Protection of vital organs
  • Storing essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorous
  • Produces red blood cells (RBC's) in the bone marrow
• The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones, held together by tough bands of connective tissue called ligaments
• Structure and function of the skeletal system

  • Bones of the human body
  • Classification of joints and joint actions
• Functions of the skeletal system

  • Provides framework for the body and gives it shape
  • Attachment points for muscles
  • Protection of vital organs
  • Storing essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorous
  • Produces red blood cells (RBC's) in the bone marrow
• Parts of the Appendicular Skeleton


  • Shoulder girdle
  • Arm
  • Leg
  • Pelvic girdle
  • Ankle
  • Foot
• Identify the following bones on the human skeleton: Skull, Mandible, Cervical Vertebrae, Thoracic Vertebrae, Lumbar Vertebrae, Sacrum, Coccyx, Scapula, Clavicle, Humerus, Radius, Ulna, Femur, Patella, Carpals, Metacarpals, Phalanges, Tibia, Fibula, Pelvis, Sternum, Ribs, Tarsals, Metatarsals
• The human skeleton can be divided into 2 main sections: Axial Skeleton and Appendicular Skeleton
• Types of bones

  • Short - Roughly same width and length (Example- Carpals)
  • Long - Longer than they are wide, hollow shaft containing marrow (Example- Femur)
  • Sesamoid - Small bones developed in tendon around joints (Example- Patella)
  • Flat - Provide flat area for muscle attachment, same width and length (Example- Scapula)
  • Irregular - Roughly same width and length (Example- Vertebra)
• The anatomical position is assumed to be standing, both feet together, arms by side, and the head, eyes, and palms of the hands facing forwards
• The terms superior and inferior are in relation to a particular reference point on the body
• The terms proximal and distal are in relation to the attachment point of a limb
• Bones of the human body

  • Vertebrae
  • Sacrum
  • Coccyx
  • Scapula
  • Clavicle
  • Humerus
  • Radius
  • Ulna
  • Femur
  • Patella
  • Carpals
  • Metacarpals
  • Phalanges
  • Tibia
  • Fibula
  • Pelvis
  • Sternum
  • Ribs
  • Tarsals
  • Metatarsals
• Classification of joints

  • Fibrous (immovable) - No movement at all, primary function is protection (E.g. bones of the skull, sternum)
  • Cartilaginous (slightly movable) - These joints occur where the connection between the bones is made up of cartilage, small amount of movement possible (E.g. Between the vertebrae of the spine)
  • Synovial (freely movable) - Most common joints in the body, designed to allow movement in at least 1 direction, cavities between bones are filled with synovial fluid which helps lubricate the bones (E.g. knee, elbow, wrist, ankle)
• The skull is superior to the sternum
• Carpals are found at the distal end of the arm
• There are 5 types of bones in the human body, distinguished by shape
• The anatomical position is the standard reference position used from which all other movements occur
• The terms medial and lateral are in relation to the midline of the body
• The terms anterior and posterior are in relation to a particular reference point on the body
• The terms superficial and deep are in relation to the surface of a structure
• The scapula is found on the posterior side of the body
• Joints are formed when 2 or more bones come together
• The fibula is on the lateral side of the body
• Hinge joint


  • Knee
  • Elbow
  • Fingers
  • Toes
• Gliding joints


  • Carpal bones of the wrist
  • Tarsal bones of the ankle
• Saddle joint

  • Carpal and metacarpal bones of the thumb
• Synovial fluid


  Fills cavities between bones to help lubricate them
• Ball + socket joint

  • Hip joint
  • Shoulder joint
• Most common joints in the body

  • Knee
  • Elbow
  • Wrist
  • Ankle
• Types of joints

  • Cartilage
  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Connective tissue
• Gliding joints

  • Bone surfaces are flat and allow a small amount of movement in a linear direction
  • Most common type of synovial joint in the body
• Pivot joint


  • Joint between the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae
  • Radius and ulna in the forearm
• Condyloid joint


  • Joint between the carpals of the wrist and the radius
• Circumduction


  The circular movement of a limb
• Flexion


  Results in joint angle decreasing
• Adduction

  Movement towards the midline of the body (arms and legs)
• Plantar Flexion


  Movement which increases the angle between the foot and the leg, so that the toes are taken further away from the shin
• Anatomical Movements of Joints

  Movement types created by muscle action and joint movement: Flexion/extension, Abduction/adduction, Rotation, Circumduction, Pronation/supination, Dorsi flexion/Plantar flexion, Inversion/eversion, Elevation/depression. Movement occurs when the tendons of the muscles which cross that joint exert a force on the bones resulting in movement taking place
• Supination


  In the forearm, refers to the turning of the forearm and hand so that the palm is facing up