Functions and Structure of the Skeletal System

Front

What are the main functions of the skeletal system?

Back

Support the body, protect vital organs, enable movement, store minerals, produce blood cells in bone marrow, and store energy.

Front

Name the four types of bones and give an example of each.

Back

Long bones: Femur (thigh bone); Short bones: Carpals (wrist bones); Flat bones: Sternum (breastbone); Irregular bones: Vertebrae (spinal bones)

Front

What is the difference between spongy and compact bone?

Back

Compact bone: dense, hard outer layer; Spongy bone: porous, lightweight inner layer.

Front

Label the major bones of the axial skeleton.

Back

Skull, vertebral column (spine), rib cage (ribs and sternum)

Front

Label the major bones of the appendicular skeleton.

Back

Shoulder girdle (clavicle and scapula), upper limbs (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges), pelvic girdle (hip bones), lower limbs (femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, phalanges).

Front

What type of joint is the shoulder joint?

Back

Ball-and-socket joint

Front

Define ligaments and tendons. How are they different?

Back

Ligaments connect bone to bone and stabilize joints. Tendons connect muscle to bone and transmit muscle force to move bones.

Front

What is the medical term for the collarbone?

Back

Clavicle

Front

Name the 3 types of joints and give an example of each.

Back

Fibrous (immovable): sutures of the skull; cartilaginous (slightly movable): between vertebrae; synovial (freely movable): knee joint.

Front

What is the function of red bone marrow?

Back

Produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (hematopoiesis).