TEAS® Science Study Guide
Skeletal System
The skeletal system supports the body, protects organs, enables movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells.
Five functions — support, protection, movement, mineral storage (calcium and phosphorus), and blood cell production.
Blood cells are made in red bone marrow. This surprises students and shows up often.
Bone classification
- Long — Femur, humerus. Longer than wide.
- Short — Carpals, tarsals. Cube-shaped.
- Flat — Skull, ribs, sternum. Thin and protective.
- Irregular — Vertebrae, sacrum. Odd shapes that fit no other category.
Two skeletal divisions
- Axial — Skull, vertebral column, rib cage. The body’s central axis.
- Appendicular — Arms, legs, shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle. The appendages.
Joints
- Hinge — Elbow, knee. Bends one direction.
- Ball-and-socket — Shoulder, hip. Rotates freely.
- Pivot — Neck. Allows rotation.
Terms to know
- Ligament — Connects bone to bone.
- Tendon — Connects muscle to bone.
- Cartilage — Flexible connective tissue that cushions joints.
- Red bone marrow — Site of blood cell production.
What the TEAS asks most
- Ligament vs. tendon? Ligament: bone to bone. Tendon: muscle to bone. Expect this one.
- Where are blood cells produced? Red bone marrow.
- Is the skull axial or appendicular? Axial.
- What type of joint is the knee? Hinge.