W15 Anatomy D170
Lab 4: Appendicular skeleton and joints
Learning objectives: At the end of this lab session, you should be able to:
 Identify and describe the functions of the bones of the appendicular skeleton
 Identify and describe markings on bones of the appendicular skeleton
 Identify and classify types of joints and what movements they allow
 Explain how bone surfaces articulate to form joints
Note: For the following exercises it may help to use your textbook, atlas, or the guidebook that came
with the skeleton model to identify structures. If you do not have a guidebook, you can access it at
this website: http://www.a3bs.com/product-manual/A05-2_A11_A13.pdf
Station 1: Appendicular skeleton overview (human skeleton model)
 Obtain a human skeleton model and identify the four main areas of the appendicular
skeleton: pectoral girdle, upper limb, pelvic girdle, and lower limb
 At what structures do the upper limb and pectoral girdle articulate? Identify these
structures on the skeleton.
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At what structures do the lower limb and pelvic girdle articulate? Identify these structures
on the skeleton.
Pectoral girdle (human skeleton model)
Identify the following features of the pectoral girdle. Be able to identify these structures from an
anterior and posterior point of view (if possible). Check each box when you are able to confidently
identify these structures.
Clavicle
 Acromial end
 Sternal end
 Coracoid process
 Acromion
 Spine
Scapula
 Glenoid cavity
 Inferior angle
Answer the following questions regarding the pectoral girdle.
 Which side (anterior or posterior) of the scapula is smooth? Which side contains the spine
and coracoid process? How can you tell the right and left scapula apart?
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What is the function of the acromion?
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How can you tell the right and left clavicles apart?
Answer the following questions regarding the pelvic girdle:
W15 Anatomy D170
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What is the most superior bone of the coxa?
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What is the function of the iliac crest?
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What portions of the left and right pubic articulate at the pubic symphysis?
Appendicular skeleton – pelvic girdle (human skeleton model)
Identify the following pelvic girdle bones and markings. Be able to identify these structures from
several points of view (lateral, superior, etc). Check each box when you are able to confidently
identify these structures.
Ischium
Coxa
 Ischial tuberosity
 Acetabulum
 Ischial spine
Illium
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Iliac crest
Anterior superior iliac spine
Posterior superior iliac spine
Iliac fossa
Greater sciatic notch
Pubis
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Pubic tubercle
Superior ramus
Inferior ramus
Obturator foramen
Pubic symphysis
Joints (human skeleton model)
Identify the following fibrous joints on the human skeleton. Check each box when you are able to
confidently identify these structures. Classify each joint by their specific subcategory (suture,
sydesmosis, or gomphosis). Use Table 9.3 in your textbook if you need help.
 Lamboid suture
 Inferior tibiofibular joint
 Teeth
Identify the following cartilaginous joints on the human skeleton. Check each box when you are able
to confidently identify these structures. Classify each joint by their specific subcategory
(synchondroses or sympheses). Use Table 9.3 in your textbook if you need help.
 Intervertebral
 Sternocostal joint (rib 1 and sternum)
 Pubic symphysis
Identify the following synovial joints on the human skeleton. Check each box when you are able to
confidently identify these structures. For each joint, examine the range of motion allowed. BE VERY
CAREFUL WITH THE SKELETONS WHEN PERFORMING THESE MOTIONS! Use Table 9.3 in your
textbook if you need help.
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TMJ
Atlanto-occipital
Atlantoaxial
Sternoclavicular
Shoulder (glenohumeral)
Elbow
Distal radioulnar
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Wrist
Carpometacarpal of digit I (thumb)
Hip
Knee (tibiofemoral)
Superior tibiofibular
Ankle
Tarsometatarsal
W15 Anatomy D170
Examine the knee joint in detail. What range of motion does the knee joint allow?
What happens to the ACL and PCL when the knee is flexed and extended?
What happens if you apply a medially-directed force to the lateral side of the knee?
Identify the following parts of the knee joint. Check each box when you are able to confidently
identify these structures.
 Lateral and medial menisci
 Patellar ligament
 Fibular collateral ligament
 Tibial collateral ligament
 Anterior cruciate ligament
 Posterior cruciate ligament
Answer the following question regarding joints:
Which joint in the body is the most flexible? How does this relate to stability of the joint?
Station 2: Lower and Upper Limbs
Identify the following upper limb bones and markings. Be able to identify these structures from
several points of view (lateral, superior, etc). Consider how these bones and markings differ
between the left and right upper limbs. Check each box when you are able to confidently identify
these structures.
Humerus
 Head
 Greater tubercle
 Lesser tubercle
 Intertubercular sulcus
 Deltoid tuberosity
 Trochlea
 Capitulum
 Olecranon fossa
Radius
 Head
 Radial tuberosity
 Styloid process
Ulna
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Coronoid process
Ulnar head
Styloid process
Olecranon process
Carpal bones
 Scaphoid
 Lunate
 Triquetrum
 Pisiform
 Trapezium
 Trapezoid
 Capitate
 Hamate
 Metacarpal bones
 Phalanges
Answer the following questions regarding the upper limb:
 Describe the location of the trapezium bone with regards to the hamate bone.
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W15 Anatomy D170
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How many bones does the radius articulate with? Name them below and identify the
articulations on the skeleton.
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How does the left ulna differ from the right ulna? How could you tell them apart?
Lower Limb:
Identify the following lower limb bones and markings. Be able to identify these structures from
several points of view (lateral, superior, etc). Consider how these bones and markings differ
between the left and right lower limbs. Check each box when you are able to confidently identify
these structures.
Femur
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Head
Neck
Greater trochanter
Lesser trochanter
Medial condyle
Lateral condyle
Patellar surface
Patella
Tibia
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Medial condyle
Lateral condyle
Tibial tuberosity
Medial malleolus
Fibula
 Head
 Lateral malleolus
Tarsals
 Talus
 Trochlea of the talus
 Calcaneus
 Calcaneal tuberosity
 Cuboid
 Navicular
 Medial, intermediate, and lateral
cuneiforms
Metatarsals
Phalanges of the toes
Answer the following questions regarding the lower limbs:
 What is the anatomical relationship of the fibula with respect to the femur?
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The femur and tibia articulate to form the knee. What markings of the femur articulate with
what markings on the tibia?
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What bone articulates with the tibia and fibula to form the ankle joint?
Station: 3: At your desk:
Appendicular skeleton (PAL)
Go to PAL, and open “Appendicular Skeleton” under the Human Cadaver column and click on the
four sub-categories. Note: identical images are found under the Anatomical Model column
Work through the Self-Review and take note of the important structures and terms that are labeled
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W15 Anatomy D170
Also note that you can click the “rotate” button that allows you to rotate the bones in three different
planes.
Repeat for “Joints.” Use your list of terms from reading notes for structures to memorize.
Surface Anatomy:
Palpate the spine of the scapula on your back (see page 337 in the textbook for help). Also palpate
your clavicles and feel how they articulate with the manubrium of the sternum.
Palpate (feel) the following structures on your own upper limbs. Ask your group for assistance if
you need it! Also see pages 337 – 340 of the textbook for help.
 Olecranon process
 Metacarpals
 Radial styloid process
 Ulnar head
Palpate the following structures on your own lower limbs. Ask your group for assistance if you need
it! Also see pages 340 – 343 of the textbook for help.
 Medial and lateral condyles of femur
 Patella
 Medial and lateral condyles of tibia
 Tibial tuberosity
 Anterior border of tibia
 Lateral malleolus
 Medial malleolus
 Calcaneus
Be able to act out these motions:
 Flexion at the elbow
 Circumduction at the hip
 Extension at the knee
 Dorsiflexion of the foot
 Elevation of the mandible
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Opposition of the thumb
Pronation of the forearm
Protraction of the mandible
Lateral rotation of the head