Locate And Name The Largest Foramen In The Skeleton

1. Review textbook sections on the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

2. As a review activity, label figure 12.1.

3. Examine the human skeleton and locate the following parts. Palpate as many of the corresponding bones in your own skeleton as possible.

axial skeleton skull cranial bones facial bones hyoid bone vertebral column vertebrae intervertebral disks sacrum coccyx thoracic cage ribs sternum appendicular skeleton pectoral girdle scapulae clavicles upper limbs humerus radius ulna carpals metacarpals phalanges pelvic girdle coxal bones lower limbs femur

Figure 12.1 Label the major bones of the skeleton: (a) anterior view; (b) posterior view.


Posterior Skeleton Pelvic Girdle

Figure 12.1 Continued

Figure 12.1 Continued

Human Orbit Foramen












tuberosity— tibia


U se colored pencils to distinguish the individual bones in figure 12.1.

Critical Thinking Application

Locate and name the largest foramen in the skull.

4. Study a textbook section on skeletal structures. Locate each of the following features (bone markings) on the bone listed, noting the size, shape, and location in the human skeleton:

condyle—occipital crest—coxal epicondyle—femur facet—vertebra fissure—skull (orbit)

fontanel—skull foramen—vertebra fossa—humerus fovea—femur head—humerus linea—femur meatus—temporal process—temporal ramus—mandible

Locate and name the largest foramen in the skeleton.

5. Complete Parts A, B, and C of Laboratory Report 12.


I mages on radiographs (X rays) are produced by allowing X rays from an X-ray tube to pass through a body part and to expose photographic film that is positioned on the opposite side of the part. The image that appears on the film after it is developed reveals the presence of parts with different densities. Bone, for example, is very dense tissue and is a good absorber of X rays. Thus, bone generally appears light on the film. Air-filled spaces, on the other hand, absorb almost no X rays and appear as dark areas on the film. Liquids and soft tissues absorb intermediate quantities of X rays, so they usually appear in various shades of gray.

Examine the available radiographs (X rays) of skeletal structures by holding each film in front of a light source. Identify as many of the bones and features as you can.

Essentials of Human Physiology

Essentials of Human Physiology


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  • Uffo
    What is the largest foramen in the skull?
    3 years ago
  • talia duncan
    Which is the largest foramen in human body?
    1 year ago
  • Gorhendad Gammidge
    What is the name of the largest foramen in the skeleton?
    7 months ago

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