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Anatomy & Physiology: Skeletal System and Bone Biology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is bone remodeling?

    Bone remodeling is the continuous process where old bone tissue is replaced by new bone tissue to maintain bone strength and mineral homeostasis.

  • Name the two main types of bone tissue.

    Compact bone is dense and forms the outer layer; spongy bone is porous and found inside bones.

  • What are the primary functions of the skeletal system?

    Support, protection of organs, movement facilitation, mineral storage, blood cell production, and energy storage.

  • Describe intramembranous ossification.

    Bone develops directly from mesenchymal tissue, mainly forming flat bones like the skull.

  • Describe endochondral ossification.

    Bone forms by replacing hyaline cartilage, primarily in long bones.

  • What cells are responsible for bone formation?

    Osteoblasts synthesize new bone matrix and initiate mineralization.

  • What cells break down bone tissue?

    Osteoclasts resorb bone by breaking down mineralized matrix.

  • What is the role of osteocytes?

    Osteocytes are mature bone cells that maintain bone matrix and communicate mechanical stress.

  • What mineral is primarily stored in bone?

    Calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals.

  • What is the periosteum?

    A dense connective tissue layer covering the outer surface of bones, containing nerves and blood vessels.

  • What is the endosteum?

    A thin membrane lining the inner surface of bone cavities and the medullary cavity.

  • Define the medullary cavity.

    The central cavity within long bones that contains bone marrow.

  • What is the difference between red and yellow bone marrow?

    Red marrow produces blood cells; yellow marrow stores fat.

  • What hormone primarily regulates blood calcium levels affecting bone?

    Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases blood calcium by stimulating bone resorption.

  • How does calcitonin affect bone?

    Calcitonin lowers blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclast activity and promoting bone formation.

  • What is the structural unit of compact bone?

    The osteon or Haversian system, consisting of concentric lamellae around a central canal.

  • What are lamellae in bone tissue?

    Concentric rings of mineralized matrix in compact bone surrounding the central canal.

  • What is the function of canaliculi?

    Small channels that connect osteocytes, allowing nutrient and waste exchange.

  • What is the role of the epiphyseal plate?

    A cartilage plate in growing bones where lengthwise growth occurs.

  • How does bone respond to mechanical stress?

    Bone strengthens by increasing osteoblast activity and remodeling in response to stress.