CHAPTER 7   SKELETAL SYSTEM—AXIAL SKELETON

 

Orthopedics is the branch of medicine—preservation and restoration of skeletal system, joints, etc.

 

The 206 bones of the body are divided into 2 groups, the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.  See Figure 7.1 P. 196  and Table 7.1 P. 195

 

1. AXIAL SKELETON---imagine a straight line through the head and down through the body to between the feet. The axial skeleton lies around this line. It includes 80 bones:

       Ribs

       Sternum

       Hyoid bone

       Skull bones

       Backbone (vertebrae)

       Auditory ossicles

 

2. APPENDICULAR SKELETON---bones of the upper & lower limbs (arms & legs) plus the bones (girdles) that connect them to the axial skeleton. Includes 126 bones.

 

 

There are 5 principal types of bones, based on shape:

 

1. Long bones---greater length than width and consist of a diaphysis plus a variable number of epiphyses. Most long bones have 2 epiphyses (1 at each end) but metacarpals, metatarsals, and phalanges have only 1 and the femur has 4. The diaphyses of a long bone are mostly compact bone and are slightly curved for greater strength. A curved long bone absorbs the stress of the body weight at several different points, so the stress is evenly distributed.

   Examples: Bones of thighs, legs, arms, forearms, fingers and toes

 

2. Short bones---somewhat cube-shaped and nearly even in length and width. Mostly spongy bone with a layer of compact bone covering the surface.

   Examples: Wrist and ankle bones

 

3. Flat bones---generally thin and composed of 2 nearly parallel plates of compact bone enclosing a layer of spongy bone. Give protection and provide large areas for muscle attachment.

   Examples: Cranial bones—their spongy bone is called the diploe

                    Sternum and ribs

                    Scapulas

 

4. Irregular bones---complex shape and do not fall into the first 3 categories.

   Examples: Vertebrae and some facial bones

 

5. Sesamoid bones---small bones that develop in tendons where considerable pressure develops. They protect the tendon from excessive wear and tear and may direct pull. Variable in number but the patellas are always present. If others are present, they are very small.

 

 

One additional type of bone is classified by location instead of shape:

 

Sutural or Wormian bones---small bones within the joints (sutures)  of certain skull bones

 

 

BONE SURFACE MARKINGS       TABLE  7.2   P. 198

 

 

I. AXIAL SKELETON---80 bones

   A. Skull---22 bones

      1. Cranial bones (8)

         a. Frontal bone

         b. Parietal bones (2)

         c. Temporal bones (2)

         d. Occipital bone

         e. Sphenoid bone—articulates with all other cranial bones--keystone

         f. Ethmoid bone

      2. Facial bones (14)

         a. Nasal bones (2)

         b. Maxillae (2)

         c. Zygomatic bones (2)

         d. Mandible—only moveable bone of the skull

         e. Lacrimal bones (2)

         f. Palatine bones (2)

         g. Inferior nasal conchae (2)

         h. Vomer

 

CAVITIES OF THE SKULL

 

Cranial cavity

Orbits

Nasal cavity

Paranasal sinuses    Figure 7.13  P. 211

Small cavities associated with the ear

 

SUTURES AND FONTANELS

 

A suture is an immovable joint formed only between skull bones. These joints consist only of CT at birth (the “soft spots” in a baby’s head called fontanels). Four prominent sutures in the typical adult skull are:

 

1. Coronal suture---between frontal and parietal bones

2. Sagittal suture---between the 2 parietal bones

3. Lambdoid suture---between parietal and occipital

4. Squamous suture---between parietal and temporal

 

Back to the fontanels—they are there for 2 reasons:

     1. To allow compression of baby’s head during birth

     2. To expand to allow rapid growth of the brain during infancy

 

There may be many fontanels between any of the skull bones but 6 are fairly constant.

            Figure 7.14  P. 211

 

1. Anterior (frontal)—single and largest

2. Posterior (occipital)—single

3. Anterolateral (sphenoid)—paired

4. Posterolateral (mastoid)—paired

 

 

   B. Hyoid bone---located in the neck between the mandible and larynx---only bone in the body that does not articulate with any other bone. It supports the tongue and allows for muscle attachment.

 

   C. Auditory ossicles---3 in each ear, they are the malleus, incus and stapes (hammer, anvil, and stirrup)

 

   D. Vertebral column (26 bones)---also called spine, backbone

      1. Cervical vertebrae (7)

      2. Thoracic vertebrae (12

      3. Lumbar vertebrae (5)

      4. Sacrum (5 fused vertebrae)

      5. Coccyx (4 fused vertebrae)

 

Discs made of fibrocartilage are found between vertebrae. These consist of 2 parts, an outer ring of fibrocartilage called the annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus, made of pulpy elastic CT.

 

The vertebral column develops 4 normal curves  Figure 7.16  P. 213

·        Cervical curve                              

·        Thoracic curve  

·        Lumbar curve

·        Sacral curve

 

Read about abnormal curves p. 225

 

 

   E. Thorax (chest)

      1. Sternum (breastbone)

         a. Manubrium (superior)

         b. Body (middle)

         c. Xiphoid process (inferior)

    

 

 2. Ribs (24 bones in pairs)---each articulates posteriorly with

         its corresponding thoracic vertebra

         a. Ribs 1 - 7 are attached to the sternum by costal

            cartilages---these are vertebrosternal ribs (true ribs)

         b. Ribs 8 - 10 are attached to each other and then

            to the cartilage of rib 7---vertebrochondral ribs

            (false ribs)

         c. Ribs 11 & 12 are not attached anteriorly---vertebral ribs (floating ribs)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 8   APPENDICULAR SKELETON

 

II. APPENDICULAR SKELETON—126 BONES

    A. Shoulder girdle (pectoral girdle)—attaches bones of the

       arm to the axial skeleton

       1. Clavicle (2)---collarbones

       2. Scapula (2)---shoulder blades

    B. Arms (upper extremeties)

       1. Humerus (2)

       2. Ulna (2)

       3. Radius (2)

       4. Carpal bones (16)---wrist

       5. Metacarpals (10)---palm of hand

       6. Phalanges (28)---finger bones

    C. Pelvic girdle—connects leg bones to the axial skeleton

       1. Coxal, hip, or pelvic bones (2)---these are formed as 3 bones fuse:

           a. Ilium

           b. Ischium

           c. Pubis

    D. Legs (lower extremeties)

       1. Femur (2)

       2. Tibia (2)

       3. Fibula (2)

       4. Patella (2)---kneecap

       5. Tarsals (14)---ankle

       6. Metatarsals (10)---foot

       7. Phalanges (28)---toes

 

Female and male skeletons differ in a number of ways. Bones of the male are generally larger and heavier. Articular ends are heavier in relation to the shafts. Heavier muscles of the male result in larger points of attachment for muscles such as tuberosities, lines and ridges.

 

The most significant differences occur in the pelvis, mostly because the female pelvis is adapted for childbearing     

                                See Table 8.1  P. 244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 9  ARTICULATIONS

 

Bones can't bend so body movements occur at joints

                      but

by definition, a joint (arthrosis or articulation) is a point of contact between bones, between cartilage and bones or between teeth and bones. (Movement is NOT mentioned) When we say that one bone articulates with another, we mean the bones form a joint.

 

Arthrology--study of joints

 

Kinesiology---study of motion of the human body. It involves bones, joints, and muscles.

 

STRUCTURAL CLASSIFICATION OF JOINTS

Based on two things:

     Presence or absence of a space (sunovial or joint cavity) between the articulating bones

     Type of connective tissue that binds the bones together

 

1. Fibrous--NO joint cavity and bones held together by fibrous CT

2. Cartilaginous--NO joint cavity and bones held together by cartilage

3. Synovial--HAS a joint cavity and bones are surrounded by an articular capsule and often also accessory ligaments

 

 

FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION

Based on degree of movement.

 

1. Synarthrosis--immovable

2. Amphiarthrosis--slightly movable

3. Diarthrosis--freely movable

 

 

 

FIBROUS JOINTS—no joint cavity, bones connected by fibrous CT

 

1. Suture--fibrous joint at birth, composed of a thin layer of dense fibrous CT--unites bones of the skull--irregular interlocking edges. The functional classification is synarthrosis (no movement). In adults sutures are often completely united by bone--then called a synostosis (bony joint).

     Examples:  Coronal suture

 

2. Syndesmosis--fibrous joint in which there is considerably more fibrous tissue than in a suture and the fit between bones is not as tight. Fibrous CT forms a sheet (interosseous membrane) OR a ligament that permits some movement. The functional classification is amphiarthrosis (slightly moveable).

     Example: Distal articulation of fibula and tibia

 

3. Gomphosis--fibrous joint in which a cone-shaped peg fits into a socket. The functional classification is synarthrosis (no movement). 

     Example: Articulation of teeth with jaw--the periodontal ligament is CT that binds the 2 together

 

CARTILAGINOUS JOINTS—no joint cavity, bones connected by cartilage.

 

1. Synchondrosis--cartilaginous joint connected by hyaline cartilage. Functional classification is synarthrosis (no movement).

     Example: Epiphyseal plate connecting epiphysis and diaphysis of a growing bone--replaced by a synostosis as growth ends

 

2. Symphysis--cartilaginous joint in which the connecting material is a broad flat disc of fibrocartilage. Functional classification is amphiarthrosis (slightly movable).

     Examples: Intervertebral discs, disc in symphysis pubis

 

SYNOVIAL JOINTS –ALL ARE ALSO DIARTHROSES

            See Figure  9.3  P. 261  for general structure

 

These have a space called the synovial (joint) cavity between articulating bones. Articular cartilage (hyaline) covers the articulating surfaces but does not bind bones together. It reduces friction and helps absorb shock.

 

Sleevelike articular capsule surrounds the diarthrosis, encloses the synovial cavity and unites the articulating bones. 2 layers:

1. Outer fibrous capsule--dense irregular CT which attaches to the periosteum of the articulating bones. It is flexible enough  to permit movement but strong enough to resist dislocation.

 

Many fibrous capsules contain parallel bundles of fibers called ligaments which give extra strength in holding bone to bone.

 

2. Inner layer--synovial membrane. Areolar CT with elastic fibers and adipose tissue. Secretes synovial fluid for lubrication and nourishment of articular cartilage. Also contains phagocytes to remove microbes and debris from wear and tear. The knee contains 3-4 ml (1/8 oz)--this is a relatively large amount. It forms a thin viscous film--thickens at rest, thins with exercise.

 

Many diarthroses also contain accessory ligaments--either extracapsular ligaments (outside capsule) or intracapsular ligaments (inside capsule).

     Collateral ligaments of knee--extracapsular

     Cruciate ligaments of knee--intracapsular

 

Inside some synovial joints are extra pads of fibrocartilage between the articular surfaces--this is called an articular disc or meniscus (menisci is plural). It is attached by the margin to the fibrous capsule and subdivides the synovial cavity into 2 compartments. The meniscus:

     1. Allows bones of different shape to fit closely 

     2. Helps maintain stability of joint

     3. Directs synovial fluid to areas of greatest friction

     4. Acts as a shock absorber

This is what is usually damaged when we hear about torn cartilage in athletes.

 

NERVE & BLOOD SUPPLY

Several types of nerve endings are associated with joints. Some of these carry pain impulses. Others report movement and degree of stretch.

 

Some components are avascular (such as articular cartilages) but branches of arteries supply ligaments & the articular capsule.

 

Also associated with joints:

 

Bursae are saclike structures similar to joint capsules with CT walls and a synovial membrane lining. Located between skin & bone, tendons and bone, muscle & bone, etc.—to cushion areas where friction develops. (Bursitis)

 

Tendon sheaths are tubelike bursae that wrap around tendons to ease movement where there is considerable pressure.

 

TYPES OF MOVEMENT

Movements are usually described in relation to anatomical position.

 

1. Gliding—flat surface of one bone slides over another--the positions of the bones change but neither angular or rotational movement occurs. (Planar joints)

 

2. Angular movements--one part of a structure is bent relative to another part, changing the angle between the 2 parts.

   a. Flexion--decreases the angle between the surfaces of articulating bones--bending elbow

   b. Extension--opposite of flexion (undoes flexion)--increases the angle between the surfaces of the articulating bones--straightening arm back

   c. Lateral flexion/extension—bend right or left at waist

   d. Hyperextension--extending beyond anatomical position--bending head forward is flexion, extension would return it to anatomical position, hyperextension would bend it further back.

   e. Abduction--movement of a body part away from the midline (or spreading the fingers/toes apart)

   f. Adduction--movement of a body part toward the midline (or bringing fingers/toes together)

   g. Circumduction---movement of the distal end of a body part in a circle. Proximal end of a bone remains still while distal end moves in a circle--combination of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction--"winding up" for a pitch

 

3. Rotation--turning of a structure around its long axis

(shaking head "no")

 

SPECIAL MOVEMENTS   266 – 268

Summary of Movements Table 9.1 P. 268

 

 

TYPES OF DIARTHROSES             

1. Planar joint--articular surfaces are flat and side-to-side or back-and-forth movements are possible (very little twisting or rotation). Nonaxial.

     Joints between carpal bones

     Joints between tarsal bones

     Articulation of clavicle with sternum and scapula

     Articulation of ribs with vertebrae

 

2. Hinge joint--convex surface of one bone fits into the concave surface of another bone. Movement is in a single plane (monaxial) like a hinged door--flexion and extension.

     Knee

     Elbow

     Ankle

     Interphalangeal joints

     Articulation of occipital bone with the atlas ("yes")

 

3. Pivot  joint--rounded or pointed surface of one bone articulates within a ring formed partly by another bone and partly by a ligament. Rotation is the primary movement--monaxial.

     Articulation of the atlas with the dens of the axis ("no")

     Articulation of the proximal ends of the radius and ulna--allows us to rotate the forearm

 

4. Condyloid (ellipsoidal) joint--oval-shaped condyle of one bone fits into an elliptical depression on another bone. Movement is in 2 planes (biaxial)--side-to-side and back-and-forth.

     Joint at wrist between radius and carpal bones

     Metacarpophalangeal joints of fingers (not thumb)

 

5. Saddle joint--articular surface of one bone is saddle-shaped and the articular surface of the other bone is shaped like a rider in the saddle (with lots of imagination). This is a modified condyloid  joint with somewhat freer movement. Biaxial.

     Articulation of trapezium of carpus with metacarpal of thumb

 

6. Ball-and-socket (spheroid) joint--ball-like surface of one bone fits into a cuplike depression of another bone. Movement is in 3 planes (multiaxial).

     Hip joint

     Shoulder joint

SEE SUMMARY OF JOINTS   TABLE 9.2 P. 271

 

 

Several factors contribute to holding a freely movable joint together and determine the type & extent of motion (range of motion):

1. Fit of articulating bones

     Some interlock (hip joint)

     Others fit in various ways & allow a variety of motions

2. Strength and tension of joint ligaments

     Ligaments restrict the range of movement and direct movement of the articulating bones

3. Arrangement and tensions of muscles and tendons around joint

     Muscle tension may reinforce ligaments

4. Apposition of soft parts

     When elbow is bent forearm and arm press together and prevent further bending

5. Disuse—long periods of disuse may restrict movement of joints

6. Hormones

    Relaxin--produced by placenta and ovaries during pregnancy--relaxes symphysis pubis and ligaments in pelvic area, allowing expansion of the pelvic outlet

 

 

See:  Shoulder joint structures P. 276 - 277

         Rotator cuff P. 276

         Knee  P. 282 – 283

         Arthroscopy P. 262

         Arthroplasty P. 284