vertebral column: made up of bones called vertebrae (pl.) or vertebra (s.) through which the spinal cord runs. The vertebral column protects the spinal cord, supports the head, and provides points of attachment for ribs and muscles.
clavicle: collarbone
scapula: shoulder blade
acromion process: extension of the scapula, which forms the superior point of the shoulder
sternum: breastbone
xiphoid process: lowest portion of sternum
ribs: 12 sets contained in the thoracic cage that protect the heart and lungs
humerus: bone in upper arm
radius: bone that runs thumb-side of the forearm
ulna: bone that runs on the side of the little finger of the forearm
carpals: wrist bones
metacarpals: bones in the palm of hand
phalanges: finger and toe bones
illium: largest part of the hip bone; upper, wing-shaped part on each side of the pelvis
ischium: lower, posterior portion of the pelvis on which one sits
pubis: anterior portion of pelvis
pelvis: made up of three bones fused together (also called pelvic bones and hip bones)
acetabulum: large socket in the pelvic bones that holds the head of the femur
femur: thigh bone, also referred to as the upper leg bone; the longest and strongest bone in the human body
patella: kneecap
tibia: medial bone and main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg
fibula: lateral, smaller of the lower leg bone
metatarsals: foot bones
tarsals: ankle bones
calcaneus: heel bone of foot
Medical Terminology: An Interactive Approach Copyright © 2022 by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.