Mammals: Which Bone Is Connected To What Bone?

The Skull

The skull is made up of 7 major bones:

• Frontal = forehead
• Parietal = top the head
• Temporal (2) = sides of the head
• Occipital = back of the head
• Maxilla = top of the mouth
• Mandible = jaw

The Neck and Back

The neck and back are made up of vertebrae and is called the vertebral column or spine. The spine is divided into 5 sections:

• Cervical Vertebrae (7) = neck
• Thoracic Vertebrae (12) = upper back
• Lumbar Vertebrae (5) = lower back
• Sacrum (5) = part of the pelvis (hip area)
• Caudal (3) = tail

The Chest

The chest is made up of the clavicle (collar bone) and ribs (12 on each side), which meet at the sternum (center of the chest).

Arms

The shoulder is made up of the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (see The Chest), and humerus (upper arm). The humerus joins the radius and ulna (forearm) to form the elbow.

Hips

The hips are made up of the pelvis which includes 3 major bones

• Illium = top of the hip
• Ischium = sides of hip
• Pubis = front of the hip

Legs

The upper leg consists of one bone called the femur. At the knee joint, the femur connects to the tibia (shin), fibula (side of lower leg) and patella (knee cap).

Hands and Feet

The wrist area is made up of many small bones called the carpals. Similar bones exist in the ankle area which are called the tarsals. The bones that form the palm of the hand are the metacarpals and those that comprise the soles of the feet are the metatarsals. Fingers and toes are both made up of phalanges.