How to Label the Skeletal System

Labeling the skeletal system can help you learn the names and locations of the bones.

Learning the names and placement of the bones in the skeletal system is an integral part of any anatomy class. Practicing labeling the skeletal system is a great way to learn and remember the intricacies of the human skeleton. With 206 bones creating the framework for the human body, labeling the skeletal system correctly requires patience and a desire to learn and retain the information.

Things You'll Need

• Printout or model of the human skeleton
• Paper (optional)
• Pushpins or tape (optional)

Instructions

1. Break-up the human skeleton into the following sections: axial skeleton, which consists of the skull, sternum, ribs and vertebral column, and the appendicular skeleton, the shoulders and surrounding bones, and the pelvis and surrounding bones.

2. Label each part of the axial skeleton on an unlabeled printout of the human skeleton. Write the name of each bone clearly off to the side and draw a line from the name to the bone to pinpoint the exact location of the bone on the skeleton.

3. Write the name of each bone on a small piece of paper and attach the papers to a model of the skeleton with pushpins or tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Create mnemonic devices to help you remember the names of various groups of bones. For example, remind yourself of the names of the cranial bones, parietal, ethmoid, sphenoid, temporal, occipital and frontal with the mnemonic device "PEST OF 6." The letters in the phrase are the first letters of the names of the bones, and the "6" helps you remember there are six cranial bones.

• Have a labeled printout of the skeleton handy so that you can check to make sure your labels are correct.

References

• Inner Body: Skeletal System
• Minnesota State University: The Skeletal System