Final answer:
Terms commonly used to describe skeletal structures include the axial and appendicular skeletons, types of bones such as long, short, flat, sutural, sesamoid, and irregular bones, as well as other terms like compact bone, spongy bone, joints, cartilage, and processes such as ossification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The skeletal system is a complex network of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues that provide support and facilitate movement in the human body. When describing skeletal structures, various terms are used to classify and identify the different aspects of this system. Here are 20 common terms associated with skeletal structures:
- Axial skeleton - the part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.
- Appendicular skeleton - includes the bones of the upper and lower limbs, and the girdles (shoulder and pelvic) that connect the limbs to the axial skeleton.
- Long bones - bones that are longer than they are wide, such as the femur and humerus.
- Short bones - cube-shaped bones such as the carpals and tarsals.
- Flat bones - bones whose primary function is muscle attachment and protection for underlying soft tissues, such as the sternum and ribs.
- Sutural bones - small, irregular bones found between the flat bones of the skull.
- Sesamoid bones - small bones embedded within tendons, such as the patella.
- Irregular bones - bones with complex shapes, such as the vertebrae and certain facial bones.
- Compact bone - dense, hard layers of bone tissue that lie underneath the periosteum.
These terms are essential for understanding the skeletal system and its function within the human body.