Structure of the skeletal system and the vertebral column
The main bones of the skeleton and their location are shown here:
Vertebral column
The vertebral column is divided into five main sections and each contains a specific number of vertebrae.
There are 33 vertebrae in total – the upper 24 vertebrae are A place where two or more bones meet. It can also be called an articulation or joint. and separated from each other - there are seven cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae and five lumbar vertebrae.
The lower nine vertebrae are fused – the sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae and the coccyx is made up of four fused together.
Question
How many bones are there in total in the vertebral column?
7 cervical
12 thoracic
5 lumbar
5 in the sacrum
4 in the coccyx
= 33
Question
Which three bones are found in the arm?
Humerus
Radius
Ulna
Types of bone
Within the skeleton there are four main types of bone.
| Type of bone | Example in body | Description |
| Long | Femur | Cylindrical in shape and found in the limbs. Their main function is to act as a lever. |
| Short | Carpals | Small and compact, often equal in length and width. These types of bone are designed for strength and weight bearing. |
| Flat | Ribs | Have a flat surface. Their function is for protection for the internal organs of the body. |
| Irregular bones | Vertebrae | Complex individual shapes, variety of functions including protection and muscle attachment. |
| Type of bone | Long |
|---|---|
| Example in body | Femur |
| Description | Cylindrical in shape and found in the limbs. Their main function is to act as a lever. |
| Type of bone | Short |
|---|---|
| Example in body | Carpals |
| Description | Small and compact, often equal in length and width. These types of bone are designed for strength and weight bearing. |
| Type of bone | Flat |
|---|---|
| Example in body | Ribs |
| Description | Have a flat surface. Their function is for protection for the internal organs of the body. |
| Type of bone | Irregular bones |
|---|---|
| Example in body | Vertebrae |
| Description | Complex individual shapes, variety of functions including protection and muscle attachment. |
Question
Where in the body are the metacarpals found?
Hands
One way to remember that carpals and metacarpals are in the wrist and hands is that you use them to drive a 'car' ('car-' is the start of the word 'carpals'). The 't' of tarsals and toes helps you remember tarsals and metatarsals are in the feet.