FUNCTIONS: attachment points for muscles that move
the spine and ribs.
 Maxilla, also known as the upper jawbone,
is a bone that forms the upper jaw,
supports the upper teeth, and plays a role
in chewing, speaking, and smiling.
 Incisive fossa is a depression in the upper
jawbone that supports the upper incisors,
provides a passageway for the
nasopalatine ducts, and drains saliva from
the oral cavity.
 Zygomtic bone, also known as the
cheekbone, forms the prominence of the
cheek, supports the lower eyelid, and plays
a role in facial expressions.
 Temporal bone houses the organs of
hearing and balance, and helps to protect
the brain.
 Frontal bone forms the forehead, protects
the brain, and provides attachment points
for facial muscles.
 Parietal bone forms the roof and sides of
the skull, protects the brain, and plays a
role in spatial awareness.
 occipital bone forms the back of the skull,
protects the brain, and plays a role in
vision.
 mastoid process houses the mastoid air
cells, which are air-filled spaces that help
to amplify sound and reduce the weight of
the skull.
 nasal bone forms the bridge of the nose
and protects the nasal cavity.
 mandible, also known as the lower
jawbone, forms the lower jaw, supports the
lower teeth, and plays a role in chewing,
speaking, and smiling.
 coronal suture connects the frontal bone
to the parietal bones of the skull.
 jugular foramen allows the passage of the
internal jugular vein, the glossopharyngeal
nerve, the vagus nerve, and the accessory
nerve.
 foramen magnum allows the passage of
the spinal cord, the vertebral arteries, and
the accessory nerve.
 sphenoid bone forms the base of the
skull, supports the pituitary gland, and
provides passageways for nerves and
blood vessels.
 foramen ovale is an opening between the
right and left atria of the heart that allows
blood to bypass the lungs in the developing
fetus.
 ethmoid bone forms the roof of the nasal
cavity, supports the olfactory bulbs, and
provides passageways for nerves and
blood vessels.
 occipital condyle is a bony knob on the
occipital bone that articulates with the atlas
vertebra to allow for head movement.
 vertebral foramen is an opening in each
vertebra that allows the passage of the
spinal cord and the meninges.
 spinous process is a bony projection on
the back of each vertebra that provides a
lever arm for muscles that move the spine.
 transverse process is a bony projection
on the side of each vertebra that provides
 spinal cord transmits signals between the
brain and the rest of the body.
 vertebral column protects the spinal cord,
supports the body, and allows for
movement.
 sacrum forms the base of the pelvis and
provides attachment points for muscles
and ligaments.
 Ala is to support the shape of the nose and
filter the air that we breathe.
 coccyx is to provide support for the pelvic
floor and anus.
 sacral hiatus is to allow for the passage of
nerves, blood vessels, and the filum
terminale.
 sternal is to protect the heart and lungs
from injury and to provide a connection
point for other bones and muscles.
 clavicle is to connect the sternum to the
scapula and provide support for the
shoulder joint.
 scapula, or shoulder blade, is to provide a
stable base for the shoulder joint and to
allow for a wide range of motion.
 acromion is to provide a stable attachment
point for the deltoid muscle and to help
protect the shoulder joint.
 humerus is to connect the shoulder and
elbow joints and to allow for a wide range
of arm movement.
 radius in anatomy is to allow for pronation
and supination of the forearm and wrist.
 ulna is to provide stability for the forearm
and wrist, and to allow for pronation and
supination.
 carpals is to form the wrist joint and allow
for a wide range of wrist movement.
 metacarpals is to connect the carpals to
the phalanges and form the knuckles.
 tarsals is to form the ankle and midfoot
joints and allow for a wide range of ankle
movement.
 metatarsals is to connect the tarsals to the
phalanges and form the knuckles.
 tibia is to support the body's weight and
allow for movement at the knee joint.
 fibula is to provide stability for the ankle
joint and allow for movement at the knee
joint.
 femur is to support the body's weight and
allow for movement at the knee joint.
 pelvic bones is to support the upper body,
protect the internal organs, and provide
attachment points for muscles and
ligaments.
 ilium is to support the weight of the upper
body, protect the internal organs, and
provide a stable base for the spine and
legs.
 pubis is to protect the internal organs and
provide a stable base for the spine and
legs.
 ischium is to support the body's weight,
protect the internal organs, and provide
attachment points for muscles and
ligaments.