In this lesson, you will learn the names of the most important bones in the human skeleton. The human body consists of hundreds of bones, and while it's not necessary for athletes to know all of them, understanding the basics is helpful.
If you’re learning from FM’s online instructions, knowing some anatomical terms will make many lessons easier to follow.
[Click here for information about the skeletal muscle system.]
Description of Key Bones
- Maxilla – The bone of the upper jaw.
- Mandible – The bone of the lower jaw.
- Clavicle – The bone linking the scapula and the sternum. Also called the collarbone.
- Humerus – The bone of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder to the elbow.
- Radius – When your arms hang relaxed at your sides with the thumbs pointing outward, this is the outer and shorter bone of the forearm.
- Ulna – In the same arm position, this is the inner and stronger bone of the forearm.
- Sternum – The flat bone that connects to the clavicles and the first seven pairs of ribs. Also called the breastbone.
- Ribs – The bones that extend from the spine toward the sternum. Also called costae.
- Pelvis – The bone structure connecting the spine to the legs. Also known as the hip bone.
- Femur – The thigh bone. The longest and strongest bone in the human body.
- Patella – A small, triangular bone that protects the knee joint. Also called the kneecap.
- Tibia – The stronger bone of the lower leg, connecting the knee to the ankle. Also known as the shinbone.
- Fibula – The thinner and weaker bone of the lower leg. Also called the calf bone.
- Skull – The bones of the head.
- Spine – The column of bones between the head and hips.
- Scapula – The flat, triangular bone located on the back of the shoulder. Also called the shoulder blade.
- Calcaneus – The heel bone.
Advice
If you learn the names of the bones listed here, you’ll find it easier to understand some of the instructions provided on this website.
The human skeleton and its muscles together form the musculoskeletal system, which allows us to move.
Suggestions
- The Skeletal Muscle System
- Stretching
- Sports Injuries
- Weight Training
