Chapter 2 – Anatomy and Physiology
Skeletal System Tip Sheet
Skeletal System – The physical foundation of the body to which the softer tissues and
organisms of the body are attached.
a. Osteology – Osteology is the study of the anatomy, structure, and function of the
bones. OS is the technical term for bone and is used as a prefix in many medical
terms such as osteoarthritis, a joint, disease.
b. Bone composition – Bone tissue is composed of several types of bone cells
embedded in a web of organic salts (mostly calcium and phosphorus) and
collagenous and ground fibers. The web gives the bone strength, and the fibers
give the bone flexibility.
Primarily Functions of Skeletal System
a. Give shape and support to the body.
b. Protect internal structures and organs.
c. Serve as attachment for muscles.
d. Act as levers to produce body movement.
e. Help produce white and red blood cells (a function of bone marrow) f.
Store materials such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium
Joints – The connection between two or more bones of the skeleton.
a. Movable – Such as elbows, knees, and hips.
b. Such as the pelvis or skull, which allow little or not movement.
Bones of the Skull
a. Cranium - An oval, bony case that protects the brain.
b. Facial Skeleton – Made up of 14bones.
Bones of the Cranium – Cranium is the oval, bony case that shapes the top of the head
and protects the brain.
a. Occipital Bone – Forms lower back part of cranium
b. Parietal Bones (2) – Form the sides and top of the cranium (crown).
c. Frontal Bone – Forms the forehead.
d. Temporal Bones (2) – Form the sides of the head in the ear region. e. Ethmoid
Bone – Light spongy bone between the eye sockets; forms part of the nasal
cavities.
f. Sphenoid Bond – Joins all of the bones of the cranium together.
Skeletal System Tip Sheet
Skeletal System – The physical foundation of the body to which the softer tissues and
organisms of the body are attached.
a. Osteology – Osteology is the study of the anatomy, structure, and function of the
bones. OS is the technical term for bone and is used as a prefix in many medical
terms such as osteoarthritis, a joint, disease.
b. Bone composition – Bone tissue is composed of several types of bone cells
embedded in a web of organic salts (mostly calcium and phosphorus) and
collagenous and ground fibers. The web gives the bone strength, and the fibers
give the bone flexibility.
Primarily Functions of Skeletal System
a. Give shape and support to the body.
b. Protect internal structures and organs.
c. Serve as attachment for muscles.
d. Act as levers to produce body movement.
e. Help produce white and red blood cells (a function of bone marrow) f.
Store materials such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium
Joints – The connection between two or more bones of the skeleton.
a. Movable – Such as elbows, knees, and hips.
b. Such as the pelvis or skull, which allow little or not movement.
Bones of the Skull
a. Cranium - An oval, bony case that protects the brain.
b. Facial Skeleton – Made up of 14bones.
Bones of the Cranium – Cranium is the oval, bony case that shapes the top of the head
and protects the brain.
a. Occipital Bone – Forms lower back part of cranium
b. Parietal Bones (2) – Form the sides and top of the cranium (crown).
c. Frontal Bone – Forms the forehead.
d. Temporal Bones (2) – Form the sides of the head in the ear region. e. Ethmoid
Bone – Light spongy bone between the eye sockets; forms part of the nasal
cavities.
f. Sphenoid Bond – Joins all of the bones of the cranium together.
