You've just learned about the structure and function of the axial and appendicular skeletons. Now it's time to learn some of the major bones in a vertebrate's body. Click through the slideshow to learn more about the bones that humans share with many other vertebrates, and where they are found.
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The bones of the skull are sometimes called the cranium. The cranium in this turtle skull functions to protect the brain.
The bones of the human arm include the scapula (shoulder blade), humerus (upper arm), radius and ulna (forearm), and bones of the hand (carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges).
The bones of the human leg include the longest single bone in the body, the femur (thigh), as well as the patella (knee cap), tibia (shin), and fibula (calf). Most, but not all, mammals have these bones in their hind legs.
The pelvis, which is the largest bone in the body, is technically made of seven bones in humans. It is located in the hip and groin area. Some animals, like reptiles, have a pelvic girdle made of two halves. |
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How well do you know where bones are located in vertebrates? Read the name of the bone in the first column. Write down or think about where the bone is located (without looking at either the diagram or the slideshow). Then click the name in the first column to see the correct answer displayed in the second column.
| Bone | Location |
| cranium | skull |
| scapula | shoulder |
| pelvis | hips and groin |
| femur | thigh |
| humerus | upper arm |
