Free Printable Worksheets for learning Skeletal system at the College level

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Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the system of bones, associated cartilages and joints of human body. It provides our framework, protects our organs and allows us to move.

Bones

There are 206 bones in the adult human body. They are classified into four categories based on their shape:

  • Long bones - longer than they are wide e.g. femur, humerus, tibia
  • Short bones - roughly as wide as they are long e.g. carpals, tarsals
  • Flat bones - thin and flattened e.g. scapula, sternum
  • Irregular bones - do not fit into the above three categories e.g. vertebrae, facial bones

Functions of the skeletal system

  • Protection of internal organs
  • Support for the body's weight
  • Provides a structure for muscle attachment
  • Houses bone marrow, where blood cells are produced
  • Helps us move around

Joints

Joints are where two bones meet. They allow movement and are classified into three divisions based on the amount of motion they permit:

  • Immovable joints - allow no movement e.g. skull sutures
  • Slightly movable joints - allow limited movement e.g. intervertebral discs
  • Freely movable joints - allow considerable movement e.g. ball-and-socket, hinge, pivot and saddle joints

Bones and their features

Each bone has a unique shape, size and function. The following are key features of bones:

  • Epiphysis - the ends of the bone, mostly made of spongy bone
  • Diaphysis - the shaft of the bone, mostly made of compact bone
  • Articular cartilage - hyaline cartilage covering the epiphysis where bone forms a joint with another bone
  • Periosteum - fibrous connective tissue that covers the bone except over the joint surface
  • Medullary cavity - a cavity in the center of the diaphysis filled with bone marrow

Skeletal Disorders

  • Osteoporosis - a condition where the bone density decreases, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures
  • Rickets - a condition where bones become soft due to deficiency of vitamin D and calcium

Takeaways

  • The skeletal system is made up of bones, cartilages and joints.
  • There are 206 bones in the adult human body, classified into four categories based on their shape.
  • Joints are where two bones meet and are classified into three divisions based on the amount of motion they permit.
  • Bones have unique features like epiphysis, diaphysis, articular cartilage, periosteum and medullary cavity.
  • Skeletal disorders include osteoporosis and rickets.

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Word Definition
Skeleton The internal framework of vertebrates, comprising the skull, spine, ribs, and limbs
Bone Any of the pieces of hard whitish tissue making up the skeleton in humans and other vertebrates
Joint A structure in the human or animal body at which two parts of the skeleton are fitted together
Cartilage A firm, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones in order to reduce friction and absorb shock
Cranium The part of the skull that encloses the brain
Vertebrae Each of the series of small bones forming the backbone, having several projections for articulation and muscle attachment
Limb A jointed appendage of the human or animal body used for locomotion or grasping
Ligament A short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint
Tendon A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone
Marrow The inmost part of bones, where new blood cells are produced
Osteoporosis A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D
Scoliosis A sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty
Osteogenesis The process of bone formation.
Synovial Fluid A viscous fluid secreted by synovial membrane found in joint cavities. The main function of synovial fluid is to reduce friction between the articular cartilage of synovial joints during movement.
Ossification The natural process of laying down bone by a living organism.
Chondrocytes Cartilage cells that are responsible for synthesizing and maintaining the cartilaginous matrix.
Osteocytes A bone cell, formed when an osteoblast becomes embedded in the matrix it has secreted.
Skeletal Muscle A muscle that is connected to the skeleton to form part of the mechanical system that moves the limbs and other parts of the body.
Calcium A chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20
Vitamin D A group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and multiple other biological effects

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Skeletal system Study Guide

Introduction

The skeletal system is an organ system that provides support, protection, and movement for the body. It consists of bones, joints, cartilage, and connective tissues.

Anatomy of Bones

Bones are complex structures that have several key components, including: - Compact bone - Spongy bone - Bone marrow - Periosteum and endosteum - Blood vessels

Bone Classification

Bones can be classified into different types based on their shape and function, such as: - Long bones - Short bones - Flat bones - Irregular bones

Bone Development

Bones undergo a process called ossification, which occurs in two main stages: - Intramembranous ossification - Endochondral ossification

Joint Types

Joints are where two or more bones meet and they can be classified into different types based on the degree of movement they allow, such as: - Fibrous joints - Cartilaginous joints - Synovial joints

Skeletal System Functions

The skeletal system has several important functions, including: - Support and protection of organs and tissues - Movement - Blood cell production - Mineral storage and homeostasis

Common Skeletal Disorders

There are several common disorders that affect the skeletal system, such as: - Osteoporosis - Arthritis - Bone fractures

Conclusion

The skeletal system is an important organ system that serves several critical functions for the body. Understanding its anatomy, function, and common disorders can help promote overall health and wellness.

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Skeletal System Practice Sheet

Short Answer Questions

  1. What is the role of the skeletal system?
  2. What are the three types of muscle tissue?
  3. What are the main types of bone cells?
  4. What is cartilage? What is its function?
  5. What are the five main functions of bones?

Labeling and Identification

  1. Label the parts of a typical long bone.
  2. Identify the types of bones based on their shapes.
  3. Identify the bones of the skull.
  4. Identify the bones of the appendicular skeleton.
  5. Identify the bones of the axial skeleton.

Matching

Match the bone marking with its function. 1. Foramen A. Attachment for muscles and tendons 2. Tuberosity B. Passageway for blood vessels and nerves 3. Crest C. Articulation point for joints 4. Fossa D. Smooth, rounded articular process 5. Condyle E. Depression or opening in a bone for blood vessels and nerves

Critical Thinking

  1. Describe the process of bone remodeling.
  2. How does bone structure relate to its function?
  3. Compare and contrast compact and spongy bone.
  4. Explain how the skeletal system interacts with other body systems.
  5. How can a lack of exercise affect bone health?

Skeletal System Practice Sheet

Sample Problem

What is the function of the skeletal system?

Step 1: The skeletal system is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

Step 2: The primary function of the skeletal system is to provide support and structure for the body and to protect internal organs.

Step 3: The skeletal system also helps to produce blood cells and store minerals and fat.

Step 4: Additionally, the skeletal system allows for movement by providing the body with a framework of levers and joints.

Practice Problems

  1. Name the two main divisions of the skeletal system.

  2. What are the four main functions of the skeletal system?

  3. What is the difference between a ligament and a tendon?

  4. What is the difference between a long bone and a short bone?

  5. What is the purpose of cartilage in the skeletal system?

  6. What are the two types of joints in the skeletal system?

  7. What is the function of the axial skeleton?

  8. What is the function of the appendicular skeleton?

  9. How does the skeletal system help to produce blood cells?

  10. How does the skeletal system help to store minerals and fat?

Practice Sheet: Skeletal System

I. Terminology

  1. Identify the following terms and provide a brief description of each:
  2. Axial Skeleton: The axial skeleton is the main framework of the human body and consists of the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

  • Appendicular Skeleton: The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the bones of the shoulder girdle and pelvis.

  • Joints: Joints are the places in the body where two or more bones meet. They allow for movement and provide support for the body.

  • Cartilage: Cartilage is a type of tissue that is found in the body. It is a flexible connective tissue that provides cushioning and support for the bones and joints.

  • Ligaments: Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect bones to other bones or to other tissues such as muscles or tendons.

  • Tendons: Tendons are thick bands of connective tissue that connect muscles to bones.

II. Questions

  1. What is the function of the skeletal system?
  2. What is the difference between a joint and a ligament?
  3. What is the purpose of cartilage in the body?
  4. What is the difference between a tendon and a ligament?
  5. What are the major components of the axial skeleton?
  6. What are the major components of the appendicular skeleton?
  7. What is the difference between a synovial joint and a non-synovial joint?
  8. What are the different types of synovial joints?
  9. What is the difference between an open and a closed joint?
  10. What are the different types of closed joints?

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Skeletal System Quiz

Test your mastery of the Skeletal System with this challenging quiz.

Problem Answer
What are the five functions of the Skeletal System? Support, protection, movement, blood cell production, mineral storage
What type of joint is found between the radius and ulna bones in the forearm? Pivot joint
What is the structural unit of compact bone? Osteon (Haversian system)
Name the four types of bones in the human body. Long, short, flat, irregular
Which type of bone tissue is responsible for producing blood cells? Red bone marrow
What are the three types of muscle tissue found in the human body? Skeletal, smooth, cardiac
What is the name for the process of bone formation during fetal development and childhood? Ossification
Name the three bones that make up the os coxae (hip bone). Ilium, ischium, pubis
Which mineral is stored in bones and is essential for muscle and nerve function? Calcium
What is the function of articular cartilage found on the ends of bones? To provide a smooth surface for joint movement and reduce friction
Problem Answer
What are the two main functions of the skeletal system? The two main functions of the skeletal system are to provide support and protection for the body, and to produce red blood cells.
What are the three main types of bones? The three main types of bones are long bones, short bones, and flat bones.
What is the difference between a joint and a ligament? A joint is a connection between two bones, while a ligament is a band of connective tissue that connects bones to other bones or to other tissues.
What is the purpose of the axial skeleton? The axial skeleton is the central core of the skeletal system, and its purpose is to provide support for the body and to protect the internal organs.
What is the difference between a fracture and a dislocation? A fracture is a break in a bone, while a dislocation is a displacement of a joint.
What is the difference between an osteocyte and an osteoblast? An osteocyte is a mature bone cell, while an osteoblast is a bone-forming cell.
What is the difference between a spongy bone and a compact bone? A spongy bone is a type of bone tissue that is filled with small cavities, while a compact bone is a type of bone tissue that is dense and solid.
What are the two main components of the appendicular skeleton? The two main components of the appendicular skeleton are the upper and lower limbs.
What is the difference between an intramembranous and an endochondral ossification? An intramembranous ossification is a process in which bone is formed from a membrane, while an endochondral ossification is a process in which bone is formed from cartilage.
What is the difference between a synovial joint and a fibrous joint? A synovial joint is a joint that is filled with a lubricating fluid, while a fibrous joint is a joint that is held together by fibrous connective tissue.

Skeletal System Quiz

Question Answer
What is the name of the longest bone in the human body? Femur
What is the purpose of the skeletal system? To provide structure, support, protection, movement, and produce red blood cells
What is the name of the membrane that covers the outside of bones? Periosteum
What is the name of the joint that allows for a circular motion? Ball and Socket Joint
What is the name of the joint that allows for a back and forth motion? Hinge Joint
What is the name of the joint that allows for a side to side motion? Gliding Joint
What is the name of the joint that allows for a combination of movements? Saddle Joint
What is the name of the joint that does not allow for any movement? Immovable Joint
What is the name of the muscle that flexes the elbow? Biceps Brachii
What is the name of the muscle that extends the elbow? Triceps Brachii
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