Medical Terminology Simplified

SKELETAL SYSTEM

The skeleton of a human adult consists of 206 individual bones, but this chapter covers only the major bones.
For anatomical purposes, the human skeleton is divided into the axial skeleton (distinguished with bone color in
Figure 10–3) and the appendicular skeleton (distinguished with blue color in Figure 10–3). The axial skeleton protects
internal organs and provides central support of the body around which other parts move. It consists of the bones of
the head, chest, and spine. The appendicular skeleton enables the body to move. It consists of the bones of the shoul-
ders, arms, hips, and legs. The ability to walk, run, or catch a ball is possible due to the movable joints of the limbs.

462 CHAPTER 10• Musculoskeletal System

Maxilla

Clavicle

Scapula

Mandible

Humerus

Radius

Ulna

Ribs

Sternum

Ilium

Sacrum

Ischium

Pelvis or

Pubis pelvic girdle

Coccyx

Patella

Tibia

Fibula

Femur

Carpals

Metacarpals

Phalanges

Phalanges

Tarsals

Metatarsals

Skull

Vertebral column

Figure 10-3Anterior view of the skeleton of the axial (bone-colored) and appendicular
(blue) skeleton.