Topics/Objectives for Unit 4: Skeletal/Joint System
Name ___________________________
General Science 8
Period __________
Topic #1 – Basics of the Skeletal System
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Distinguish between the axial and appendicular skeleton; know major bones for each
o Know the difference between pectoral and pelvic girdle
o Know how many bones there are and how many of each kind (ex. there is 1 frontal
bone, 2 ulna bones but 56 phalanges)
Identify the 5 different kinds of bones and give representative examples of each: Long, Short,
Flat, Irregular and Sesamoid
o Define Wormian bone and explain why they form
List the basic functions of the skeletal system
o Structure, support and protection
o Levers
o Blood cell formation
o Calcium storage
Topic #2 – Structure of a Long Bone
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Locate the following structures on a long bone: epiphysis, diaphysis, periosteum, medullary
cavity, endosteum, epiphyseal disk (growth plate)
Distinguish between compact bone and spongy bone
o Difference s in function, where they are located and microscopic structures
Identify the following parts of an osteon: Haversion canal, lamella, lacunae, osteocytes,
canaliculi, perforating (transverse) canals
Topic #3 – Bone formation
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Distinguish between endochondral and intramembranous ossification; know what type of
bones use each
Briefly describe fetal skull development and the function of fontanels
Understand the basic events in endochondral bone formation
o Distinguish between the primary and secondary ossification centers
o Know the role of the epiphyseal plate
Compare the roles of osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts in bone formation
Understand different factors that affect bone formation: vitamins, hormones, exercise
Topic #4 – Blood Cell Formation and Calcium Homeostasis
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Distinguish between red and yellow marrow
o Know how it changes from childhood to adulthood
Understand how the hormones calcitonin and parthyroid hormone function to maintain proper
calcium levels in the blood
Topic #5 – Basic Understanding of Joints
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Distinguish between fibrous, cartilaginous and synovial joints
Understand the basic structure of a synovial joint
Know the 6 types of synovial joints and representative examples of each
Identify the movements possible with synovial joints
Topic #6 – Anatomy Requirements
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The Skull
o Cranial bones: frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid
o Facial Bones: Maxillary, palatine, zygomatic, lacrimal, nasal, vomer, inferior nasal
conchae, mandible
o Features: foramen magnum, zygomatic arch, styloid process, mastoid process, occipital
condyle, crista galli, perpendicular plate, mandibular fossa, mandibular process,
coronoid process, coronal suture, squamosal suture, lamboidal suture, sagittal suture
Vertebral column
o Number of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae; curves for each
o Difference between the sacrum and coccyx; pelvic curvature
Thoracic Cage
o Distinguish between true, false and floating ribs
o Identify the manubrium, body and xiphoid process
Pectoral Girdle
o Bones – scapulae and clavicles
o Features – acromian process, glenoid cavity, coracoid process
Pelvic Girdle
o Bones – Coxal
o Features – illium, ischium, pubis, obturator foramen, acetabulum, pubic arch, symphis
pubis
Upper limbs
o Bones – humerus, ulna, radius, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges
o Features – olecranon process, olecranon fossa, numbering of hand bones and proximal,
middle and distal phalanges
Lower Limbs
o Bones – Femur, tibia, fibula, tarsals (calcaneus, talus), metatarsals, phalanges
Make sure you look at clinical applications, blue boxes and
vocabulary at the end of chapter for odds and ends