2401 A&P-I
Departmental Minimum Requirements
2401 Anatomy & Physiology I
Exercise 15
The Appendicular Skeleton
What you need to learn:
Identify the following bones and bone markings on a complete or disarticulated skeleton. For paired bones,
distinguish left from right. Structure in red are optional.
Bones of the Pectoral Girdle and Upper Extremity
I. Pectoral (Shoulder) Girdle
A) Clavicle
1. Sternal end (medial) - attaches to the sternal manubrium. *
2. Acromial end (lateral) – articulates with the scapula
3. Conoid Tubercle – On the acromial end and anchors a ligament. Landmark to know if a clavicle
is the right or left one. Inferior. *
B) Scapula
1. Acromion – connect with the clavicle
2. Coracoid process – tip of the shoulder. Anterior. *
3. Suprascapular notch – at the base of the coracoid process. Passage for nerves
4. Spine – divides the posterior surface into a supraspinous fossa and infraspinous fossa
5. Infraspinous fossa
6. Supraspinous fossa
7. Glenoid cavity – articulates with the head of the humerus. Lateral. *
II. Arm
A) Humerus
1. Head – medial*
2. Anatomical neck – site for the epiphyseal line
3. Surgical neck – common site of fracture
4. Greater tubercle – large and most lateral than the lesser tubercle
5. Lesser tubercle – medial
6. Intertubercular groove – between the tubercles (4 & 5). It is anterior. For the biceps tendon. *
7. Trochlea – articulates with the ulna. Inferior and medial. Anterior. *
8. Capitulum – articulates with the radius. Inferior and lateral. Anterior. *
9. Coronoid fossa – anterior.
10. Olecranon fossa – posterior
11. Radial fossa – receives the head of the radius when the arm is flexed. The flat side is anterior.
III. Forearm
A) Radius
1. Head – articulates with the capitulum of the humerus. Superior. *
2. Neck
3. Styloid process
Page 1 of 3
2401 A&P-I
Departmental Minimum Requirements
B) Ulna
1. Olecranon process – posterior. *
2. Coronoid process – anterior. *
3. Trochlear notch
4. Radial notch
5. Head – distal end *
6. Styloid process – stabilizes the wrist.
IV. Hand (Manus)
A) Carpus – Wrist, has 8 carpal bones
1. Proximal Row (lateral to medial)
a) Scaphoid
b) Lunate
c) Triquetrum
d) Pisiform
2. Distal Row (lateral to medial)
a) Trapezium
b) Trapezoid
c) Capitate
d) Hamate
Mnemonic: “Say Loud To Pam, Time To Come Home.”
B) Metacarpals (1 to 5) – Palm
C) Phalanges – 14 bones of the fingers
1. Proximal
2. Middle – not present on the thumb
3. Distal
Bones of the Pelvic Girdle and Lower Extremity
I. Pelvic (Hip) Girdle
A) Coxal Bones (2) or Os Coxae
1. Ilium
a) Iliac crest
b) Anterior superior spine. *
c) Posterior superior spine. *
d) Anterior inferior spine.
e) Posterior inferior spine.
2. Ischium
a) Ischial spine
b) Ischial ramus
3. Pubis
a) Ramus
b) Pubic Symphysis
4. Acetabulum
a) Socket formed by the fusion of pubis, ischium and ilium
Page 2 of 3
2401 A&P-I
Departmental Minimum Requirements
5. Obturator foramen
a) Formed by the fusion of the three bones
II. Thigh
A) The Femur
1. The head – articulates with the hip bone
a) Fovea capitis – pit on the head where ligaments run to the acetabulum
2. Neck – common site of fracture
3. Greater Trochanter
4. Lesser Trochanter
5. Linea Aspera – on the shaft. *
6. Lateral Condyle – articulates with the tibia. *
7. Medial Condyle – articulates with the tibia. *
B) Patella
III. Leg
A) Tibia (shinbone)
1. Lateral Condyle
2. Medial Condyle
3. Medial Malleolus – inner bulge of the ankle
B) Fibula
1. It does not take part in the knee joint
2. Head – articulates with lateral condyle of the tibia
3. Lateral Malleolus – outer bulge of the ankle
IV. Foot
A) Tarsal Bones (7)
1. Posterior bones
a) Calcaneus – heel bone
b) Talus
2. Anterior bones
a) Navicular
b) Cuboid
c) Lateral cuneiform
d) Medial cuneiform
e) Intermediate cuneiform
Mnemonic: “Children That Never March In Line Cry”
B) Metatarsal Bones (5)
C) Phalanges – 14 bones of the toes
1. Proximal
2. Medial – except great toe
3. Distal
D) Arches of the Foot
1. Longitudinal Arch
a) Medial – formed by calcaneus, talus and the three medial metatarsals
* - Landmarks that help to put a bone in anatomical position
Page 3 of 3