Biology 9
Skeletal System Lab
Objectives:
• To understand the microscopic and macroscopic anatomy of bone
• To identify the major bones of the axial and appendicular skeleton
Part 1: Microscopic Anatomy of Bone tissue
Structural functional unit of compact bone
• Obtain and study one of the following viewmaster slides of the osteon (Haversian system).
- Set 223: The Skeletal System – frame #1
- Set 10: Cells of the Body – frame #4
- Set 51: Animal Tissue – frame #5
•
Sketch an idealized osteon and identify the following:
- central canal
- lamellae (concentric layers)
- osteocytes
Part 2: Macroscopic Anatomy of a Long Bone
Obtain a long bone that has been cut lengthwise (longitudinally).
• Identify the shaft or diaphysis. Observe its smooth surface composed of compact bone. If you are
using a fresh specimen, look for its periosteum, the fibrous membrane that covers the bone surface.
• Observe the epiphysis, the end of the long bone. Note that it is composed of a thin layer of compact
bone surrounding spongy bone.
• Identify the articular cartilage, which covers the epiphysis. Note that it is composed of hyaline
cartilage that provides a smooth surface to prevent friction at joint surfaces.
• Identify the medullary cavity, the bone shaft's central cavity. What type of marrow is found in this
region of the bone?________________________________________________________________
Sketch of a typical long bone and label each part underlined in the previous paragraph.
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Part 3: Bones of the Axial and Appendicular Skeleton
• Working in groups and using your textbook, the figure below, and the skeleton in the closet, assemble
the disarticulated skeleton found in the bone bags or box.
• What bones, if any, are missing?
•
IDENTIFY all bones or groups of bones indicated in the figure below. Then using two different colors,
COLOR the bones of the axial and appendicular skeletons. NOTE: You must have participated in the
assembly of the skeleton in order to receive credit for this portion of the lab.
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Part 4: Laboratory Practical on the Skeleton System
Work through each station set up in the laboratory and answer the following questions. DO NOT MOVE
ANY OF THE BONES, LABELS, OR ARROWS.
1. Name this bone.
How does this bone differ from the others that comprise the skull?
2. Name a bone that is anterior to the bone at the arrow?
Now name the bones that are lateral to the bone at the arrow.
3. Name this structure.
What is its function?
4. Name this bone.
Which side of the body does it come from?
5. Is this bone considered a “true” or “false” rib?
Explain why.
6. This vertebra comes from which region of the spine?
Name an anatomical feature that allowed you to make this determination?
7. Examine the pelvis depicted in this x-ray. Is it of a female or a male?
8. The proximal end of this bone is commonly referred to as the______________.
Name the bone that is superior to it.
9. The distal ends of these bones are commonly referred to as ________________.
10. What is the structural classification of the joint depicted in this x-ray?
What is its movement?
11. The distal ends of these bones are erroneously referred to as________________.
12. The analogous bones found in the upper limb are the ________________.
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