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Anatomy & Physiology: Bones and Skeletal Tissues

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  • Name the three main types of bones based on shape.
    Long bones, short bones, and flat bones.
  • What type of bone is the humerus classified as?
    The humerus is a long bone.
  • What is the function of the periosteum in bone structure?
    The periosteum covers the outer surface of bone and contains Sharpey’s fibers that secure it to the bone.
  • What is the medullary cavity and what does it contain?
    The medullary cavity is the central cavity of bone shafts that contains yellow bone marrow.
  • What is the difference between spongy bone and compact bone?
    Spongy bone contains trabeculae and is lighter, while compact bone is dense and contains osteons.
  • What is an osteon (Haversian system)?
    An osteon is the structural unit of compact bone, consisting of concentric lamellae around a central canal.
  • What are lacunae in bone tissue?
    Lacunae are small spaces containing osteocytes, located between lamellae in bone.
  • What is the role of canaliculi in bone?
    Canaliculi are tiny canals that connect lacunae and allow osteocytes to communicate and exchange nutrients.
  • What is the function of the central (Haversian) canal?
    The central canal contains blood vessels and nerves that supply the osteon.
  • What are Sharpey’s fibers?
    Sharpey’s fibers are collagen fibers that attach the periosteum to the bone matrix.
  • What is the epiphysis of a long bone?
    The epiphysis is the rounded end of a long bone, usually covered with articular cartilage.
  • What is the diaphysis of a long bone?
    The diaphysis is the shaft or central part of a long bone.
  • What is the function of articular cartilage?
    Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones in joints to reduce friction and absorb shock.
  • What is the endosteum?
    The endosteum is a thin membrane lining the medullary cavity and trabeculae of spongy bone.
  • What is the role of osteocytes?
    Osteocytes are mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix.
  • What is the function of osteoblasts?
    Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells responsible for synthesizing bone matrix.
  • What is the function of osteoclasts?
    Osteoclasts are cells that resorb or break down bone tissue.
  • What is the periosteal (Sharpey’s) fibers’ role in bone?
    They anchor the periosteum to the underlying bone, providing structural stability.
  • What is the circumferential lamellae?
    Layers of bone matrix that run around the outer and inner surfaces of the bone, providing strength.
  • What is the nutrient artery's role in bone?
    The nutrient artery supplies blood to the diaphysis and medullary cavity of long bones.