Anatomy and Physiology Notes are the foundation of nursing practice. To understand how to treat a patient, a nurse must first understand how the human body is built and how it works. In this guide, we will focus on the Skeletal System, which is a major part of the human anatomy.
What is the Skeletal System?
The human skeletal system is the internal framework of the body. In an adult, it consists of 206 bones. It also includes cartilages, ligaments, and joints that connect these bones.
Functions of the Skeletal System
Why do nurses need to study the skeleton? Here are the 5 main functions:
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Support: It provides a structural frame for the body.
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Protection: It protects soft organs. For example, the skull protects the brain and the ribs protect the lungs.
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Movement: Bones act as levers that muscles pull on to create movement.
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Storage: Bones store minerals like Calcium and Phosphorus.
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Blood Cell Formation: Hematopoiesis (blood cell production) occurs in the red bone marrow.
Divisions of the Skeleton
The human skeleton is divided into two main parts. Understanding this division is a common question in nursing exams.
1. The Axial Skeleton (80 Bones)
This part forms the vertical axis of the body. It includes:
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Skull: Protects the brain.
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Vertebral Column: Supports the back and protects the spinal cord.
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Thoracic Cage (Ribs & Sternum): Protects the heart and lungs.
2. The Appendicular Skeleton (126 Bones)
This part includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.
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Upper Limbs: Humerus, Radius, Ulna, and Hand bones.
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Lower Limbs: Femur (thigh bone), Tibia, Fibula, and Foot bones.
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Pectoral Girdle: Shoulder bones (Clavicle and Scapula).
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Pelvic Girdle: Hip bones.
Classification of Bones by Shape
In Anatomy and Physiology Notes, bones are usually classified into five categories:
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Long Bones: Longer than they are wide (e.g., Femur, Humerus).
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Short Bones: Cube-shaped (e.g., Carpals in the wrist).
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Flat Bones: Thin and curved (e.g., Skull bones, Sternum).
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Irregular Bones: Complicated shapes (e.g., Vertebrae).
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Sesamoid Bones: Small bones formed in tendons (e.g., Patella/Kneecap).
Practice Quiz: Skeletal System MCQs
Test your knowledge with these 10 important questions for your Semester 1 exams:
Q1: How many bones are in the adult human body?
A) 200 B) 206 C) 210 D) 126
Q2: Which bone is the longest and strongest in the body?
A) Tibia B) Humerus C) Femur D) Fibula
Q3: The process of blood cell formation in bones is called:
A) Hemolysis B) Hematopoiesis C) Homeostasis D) Ossification
Q4: Which of the following is part of the Axial Skeleton?
A) Femur B) Scapula C) Skull D) Radius
Q5: The “Kneecap” is scientifically known as:
A) Scapula B) Patella C) Sternum D) Clavicle
Q6: Which type of bone is the Vertebrae?
A) Long bone B) Short bone C) Irregular bone D) Flat bone
Q7: The Rib Cage belongs to which division?
A) Appendicular B) Axial C) Pelvic D) Pectoral
Q8: What mineral is primarily stored in the bones?
A) Iron B) Potassium C) Calcium D) Sodium
Q9: How many pairs of ribs are in the human body?
A) 10 B) 12 C) 14 D) 24
Q10: The “Collarbone” is scientifically called:
A) Clavicle B) Scapula C) Sternum D) Ulna
Answer Key
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B | 2. C | 3. B | 4. C | 5. B | 6. C | 7. B | 8. C | 9. B | 10. A
Go back to Generic BSN Year 1 for more subjects
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