Introduction

　It is often said that anatomy is the study of understanding the "form" and "structure" of the human body, and not only memorizing it. However, there must have been a time, long ago, when you too had to work hard to memorize the native language. Furthermore, in order to travel around the city of the human body, it is inevitable to memorize anatomical terms, which are words that refer to the names of towns and villages, stations, rivers, and roads.
　The purpose of the osteology laboratory is not only to acquire knowledge of individual bones and skeletons, but also to cultivate a broad morphological view and scientific observation attitude.　Osteological practice tends to be limited to the comparison of actual objects and their names. However, there are many things hidden behind the anatomical terms, and we hope that you will use your eyes, hands, and brains to clarify them.
　This guide takes the form of a question-and-answer format. Some questions are designed to draw attention to the interrelationships among individual observations. These questions are based on the following interpretations or perspectives of forms (which may be considered as factors governing the forms of organisms).

1. Ecological Adaptive Interpretation: Forms for efficient living and survival. Functional interpretation.
   
2. Historical phylogenetic interpretation: Interpretation by ontogeny and phylogeny. For example, two pancreatic ducts or five fingers.
   
3. Structural interpretation: mechanical interpretation. For example, a model of spinal curvature and plate springs.

January 10, 1998