From Cranium to Phalanges - Discussing the skeletal system through Etymology

1. Cranium: The skull, or the bone that houses and protects the brain. Etymologically, the word “cranium” comes from the Latin “cranium”, meaning “skull”. 2. Maxilla: The upper jawbone, which forms the upper part of the face and houses the upper teeth. The word “maxilla” comes from the Latin “maxilla”, meaning “jawbone”. 3. Mandible: The lower jawbone, which forms the lower part of the face and houses the lower teeth. The word “mandible” comes from the Latin “mandibula”, meaning “lower jaw”. 4. Clavicle: The collarbone, which connects the shoulder blade to the sternum. The word “clavicle” comes from the Latin “clavicula”, meaning “small key”. 5. Scapula: The shoulder blade, which connects the upper arm to the rib cage. The word “scapula” comes from the Latin “scapula”, meaning “shoulder blade”. 6. Ribs: The bones of the rib cage, which protect the chest organs. The word “ribs” comes from the Old English “ribban”, meaning “ribs”. 7. Sternum: The breastbone, which connects the ribs and provides support for the chest organs. The word “sternum” comes from the Latin “sternum”, meaning “chest”. 8. Vertebrae: The bones of the spine, which form the spinal column. The word “vertebrae” comes from the Latin “vertebra”, meaning “joint”. 9. Sacrum: The triangular bone at the base of the spine, which connects the spine to the hipbones. The word “sacrum” comes from the Latin “sacrum”, meaning “sacred”. 10. Coccyx: The tailbone, which is the remnant of the tail in humans. The word “coccyx” comes from the Greek “kokkyx”, meaning “cuckoo”. 11. Pelvis: The pelvic bone, which connects the legs to the spine. The word “pelvis” comes from the Latin “pelvis”, meaning “basin”. 12. Femur: The thigh bone, which is the longest bone in the body. The word “femur” comes from the Latin “femur”, meaning “thigh”. 13. Patella: The kneecap, which provides protection and stability to the knee joint. The word “patella” comes from the Latin “patella”, meaning “plate”. 14. Tarsals: The seven bones of the ankle, which form the ankle joint. The word “tarsals” comes from the Latin “tarsus”, meaning “ankle”. 15. Metatarsals: The five bones of the foot, which form the arch of the foot. The word “metatarsals” comes from the Greek “metatarsos”, meaning “longer bones”. 16. Phalanges: The bones of the fingers and toes, which form the joints of the hands and feet. The word “phalanges” comes from the Greek “phalanges”, meaning “fingers”.