The Skeletal System - parts of the skeletal system

Appendicular skeleton

Portion of the skeleton consisting of the pectoral girdle, the pelvic girdle, and the bones of the arms and legs.

Axial skeleton

Portion of the skeleton consisting of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Bursa

Sac filled with synovial fluid that decreases friction between a tendon and a bone.

Diaphysis

Shaft of a long bone containing a narrow canal filled with yellow bone marrow.

Epiphysis

End of a long bone.

Fontanels

Also known as soft spots, fibrous connective tissue between flat bones in the developing cranium.

Joint

Area where adjacent bones meet or articulate.

Ligament

Fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to bone.

Ossification

Process of bone formation.

Osteoblasts

Principal bone-building cells.

Osteoclasts

Large cells that break down bone matrix.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells.

Periosteum

Dense fibrous membrane covering the surface of bones except at the joints.

Synovial membrane

Connective tissue membrane that lines joint cavities and secretes synovial fluid.

Tendon

Tough, white, cordlike tissue that attaches muscle to bone.