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Anatomy & Physiology: Bone Structure, Growth, and Function

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Terms in this set (24)

  • Diaphysis

    The central shaft of a long bone that provides strong support without cumbersome weight.

  • Epiphysis

    The expanded ends of a long bone; includes proximal (top) and distal (bottom) ends.

  • Periosteum

    A fibrous connective tissue membrane that covers and protects the diaphysis of a bone.

  • Lengthwise bone growth

    Occurs at the epiphyseal plate (hyaline cartilage) in children; after growth stops, it becomes the epiphyseal line.

  • Widthwise bone growth (appositional growth)

    Bone growth in width where osteoblasts add bone matrix to the outside of the diaphysis.

  • Articular cartilage

    Glassy hyaline cartilage covering the epiphyses to reduce friction at joint surfaces.

  • Osteoblasts

    Bone-forming cells responsible for producing new bone matrix.

  • Osteocytes

    Mature bone cells found in tiny cavities called lacunae that maintain bone tissue.

  • Osteoclasts

    Cells that break down bone matrix to release minerals and remodel bone.

  • Osteon (Haversian system)

    The structural unit of compact bone, consisting of a central (Haversian) canal surrounded by concentric matrix rings.

  • Canaliculi

    Tiny canals that connect osteocytes to the central nutrient supply within bone.

  • Axial skeleton

    Includes the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage; primary function is protection of soft organs.

  • Appendicular skeleton

    Includes limbs and girdles (shoulder and pelvic); primary function is movement and manipulation of the environment.

  • Foramen Magnum

    The large hole in the occipital bone through which the spinal cord passes.

  • Hyoid bone

    A unique bone that does not articulate with any other bone in the body.

  • Vertebral order

    The sequence of vertebrae: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back).

  • Comminuted fracture

    A fracture where the bone breaks into many fragments.

  • Greenstick fracture

    An incomplete break common in children due to flexible bones.

  • Compound (open) fracture

    A fracture where broken bone ends penetrate through the skin.

  • Spiral fracture

    A ragged break caused by excessive twisting forces.

  • Four stages of bone healing

    1. Hematoma formation
    2. Fibrocartilage callus formation
    3. Bony callus formation
    4. Bone remodeling

  • Calcium regulation in bone

    When blood calcium drops, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) stimulates osteoclasts to break down bone and release calcium.

  • Osteoporosis

    A bone-thinning disease that can be reduced by weight-bearing exercise and a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D.

  • Female pelvis differences

    Typically has a wider pubic arch, larger inlet, and bones that are lighter and thinner than a male pelvis.