Question

Match each bone with its description. femur a. part of skull radius b. thighbone vertebra c. segment of backbone sternum d. breastbone cranial bones e. forearm bone

Short answer

Femur - thighbone; Radius - forearm bone; Vertebra - segment of backbone; Sternum - breastbone; Cranial bones - part of skull.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the bones

First, list out the bones given in the exercise. These are: femur, radius, vertebra, sternum, and cranial bones.

Match descriptions with bones

Next, match each bone with its corresponding description from the list: - femur matches with b. thighbone - radius matches with e. forearm bone - vertebra matches with c. segment of backbone - sternum matches with d. breastbone - cranial bones match with a. part of skull.

Key concepts

Femur

The femur is often referred to as the thighbone. It is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. This remarkable bone spans from the hip to the knee and is capable of supporting a great deal of weight.

• Function: The femur plays a crucial role in supporting the body's weight and allowing for leg movements. It is integral to activities such as walking, jumping, and running.


• Structure: The femur has a rounded head that fits into the hip socket, creating the hip joint. This design is essential for a wide range of motion.

The femur's size and strength make it a vital component of the skeletal system. Its health is essential for maintaining mobility and overall well-being.

Radius

The radius is one of the two main bones in the forearm, alongside the ulna. It extends from the lateral side of the elbow to the thumb side of the wrist.

• Function: The radius allows for important wrist and arm movements, such as rotation which is needed for turning the hand over or back.


• Structure: It is slightly shorter than the ulna and works with it to provide stability to the forearm. The head of the radius allows for the rotation necessary for pronation and supination of the forearm.

An understanding of the radius is vital for anyone studying human movement or understanding fractures common to this area.

Vertebra

Vertebrae are the small, interlocking bones that form the vertebral column, better known as the backbone. They provide the spine's flexibility while protecting the spinal cord.

• Function: The vertebrae support the body’s posture and facilitate various movements. They also serve the critical role of encasing and protecting the spinal cord.


• Types: The vertebrae are classified into different regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. Each region serves a slightly different function but is vital for overall spine health.

Healthy vertebrae are essential for nervous system protection and mobility, making their study crucial in understanding back-related health issues.

Sternum

The sternum, commonly known as the breastbone, is a flat bone located at the center of the chest. It connects to the ribs via cartilage, forming the front part of the rib cage.

• Function: It helps protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from physical damage. Additionally, it provides attachment points for several muscles involved in breathing and upper limb movement.


• Structure: The sternum is divided into three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. Each section contributes to its protective role and aids in supporting the thoracic vertebrae.

Understanding the sternum's role is important in fields such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and trauma medicine.

Cranial Bones

Cranial bones form the protective case around the brain and structures of the head. They consist of various flat and irregular shaped bones tightly joined by sutures.

• Components: Key components include the frontal bone, parietal bones, and occipital bone, among others. These bones work together to encase the brain securely.


• Function: Beyond protection, cranial bones provide attachment points for muscles that control facial expressions and head movements.

Maintaining the integrity of the cranial bones is crucial for brain safety and head stability, playing a significant role in overall neurological health.