Skeletal System Review Sheet
1. Who is the specialist doctor for the skeletal system?
○ The specialist is an orthopedic surgeon. Other healthcare professionals include
physiotherapists, chiropractors, rheumatologists, and occupational
therapists who may work with bone and joint issues.
2. Functions of the skeletal system:
○ Support: Acts as the framework of the body
○ Protection: Shields internal organs (e.g., skull protects brain)
○ Movement: Works with muscles for locomotion
○ Mineral storage: Stores calcium and phosphorus
○ Blood cell production: Occurs in red bone marrow (hematopoiesis)
3. Axial vs Appendicular Skeleton:
○ Axial Skeleton: Central part of the skeleton – includes skull, vertebral column,
ribs, and sternum
○ Appendicular Skeleton: Limbs and girdles – includes arms, legs, shoulder
(pectoral) girdle, and pelvic girdle
4. Five classifications of bones:
○ Long bones: Femur, humerus
○ Short bones: Carpals, tarsals
○ Flat bones: Sternum, ribs, skull
○ Irregular bones: Vertebrae, facial bones
○ Sesamoid bones: Patella (develops in tendons)
5. Anatomy of a long bone (labelled diagram should include):
○ Diaphysis: Shaft
, ○ Epiphysis: Ends of the bone
○ Medullary cavity: Hollow center containing marrow
○ Periosteum: Outer membrane
○ Endosteum: Inner membrane
○ Articular cartilage: Covers ends at joints
6. Cancellous vs Cortical Bone:
○ Cancellous (Spongy) Bone: Light, porous, found at epiphyses; contains red
marrow
○ Cortical (Compact) Bone: Dense, strong; forms the outer shell and diaphysis
7. Skeletal joints & their importance:
○ Joints are where two or more bones meet, allowing for mobility, flexibility, and
support.
8. Three main joint classifications:
○ Fibrous joints: Immovable (e.g., skull sutures)
○ Cartilaginous joints: Slightly movable (e.g., between vertebrae)
○ Synovial joints: Freely movable (most joints in the body)
9. Six types of synovial joints:
○ Hinge joint: Elbow, knee
○ Ball-and-socket joint: Shoulder, hip
○ Pivot joint: Neck (between atlas and axis)
○ Saddle joint: Thumb
○ Gliding (Plane) joint: Carpals
○ Condyloid joint: Wrist, knuckles
1. Who is the specialist doctor for the skeletal system?
○ The specialist is an orthopedic surgeon. Other healthcare professionals include
physiotherapists, chiropractors, rheumatologists, and occupational
therapists who may work with bone and joint issues.
2. Functions of the skeletal system:
○ Support: Acts as the framework of the body
○ Protection: Shields internal organs (e.g., skull protects brain)
○ Movement: Works with muscles for locomotion
○ Mineral storage: Stores calcium and phosphorus
○ Blood cell production: Occurs in red bone marrow (hematopoiesis)
3. Axial vs Appendicular Skeleton:
○ Axial Skeleton: Central part of the skeleton – includes skull, vertebral column,
ribs, and sternum
○ Appendicular Skeleton: Limbs and girdles – includes arms, legs, shoulder
(pectoral) girdle, and pelvic girdle
4. Five classifications of bones:
○ Long bones: Femur, humerus
○ Short bones: Carpals, tarsals
○ Flat bones: Sternum, ribs, skull
○ Irregular bones: Vertebrae, facial bones
○ Sesamoid bones: Patella (develops in tendons)
5. Anatomy of a long bone (labelled diagram should include):
○ Diaphysis: Shaft
, ○ Epiphysis: Ends of the bone
○ Medullary cavity: Hollow center containing marrow
○ Periosteum: Outer membrane
○ Endosteum: Inner membrane
○ Articular cartilage: Covers ends at joints
6. Cancellous vs Cortical Bone:
○ Cancellous (Spongy) Bone: Light, porous, found at epiphyses; contains red
marrow
○ Cortical (Compact) Bone: Dense, strong; forms the outer shell and diaphysis
7. Skeletal joints & their importance:
○ Joints are where two or more bones meet, allowing for mobility, flexibility, and
support.
8. Three main joint classifications:
○ Fibrous joints: Immovable (e.g., skull sutures)
○ Cartilaginous joints: Slightly movable (e.g., between vertebrae)
○ Synovial joints: Freely movable (most joints in the body)
9. Six types of synovial joints:
○ Hinge joint: Elbow, knee
○ Ball-and-socket joint: Shoulder, hip
○ Pivot joint: Neck (between atlas and axis)
○ Saddle joint: Thumb
○ Gliding (Plane) joint: Carpals
○ Condyloid joint: Wrist, knuckles
