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Anatomy & Physiology: Skeletal System and Bone Structure

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the main types of bone cells and their functions?
    Osteoblasts build bone matrix, osteocytes maintain bone tissue, and osteoclasts resorb bone.
  • What is the process of endochondral ossification?
    Cartilage is replaced by bone; primary ossification centers form in diaphysis, secondary centers in epiphysis, allowing bone lengthening.
  • What is intramembranous ossification?
    Bone develops directly from mesenchymal tissue, producing flat bones like the skull roof.
  • How do bones grow in length?
    Through interstitial growth at the epiphyseal plate where cartilage is replaced by bone.
  • How do bones grow in diameter?
    By appositional growth where osteoblasts add bone to the outer surface and osteoclasts resorb bone inside the medullary cavity.
  • What is the structure of an osteon?
    An osteon consists of concentric lamellae surrounding a central (Haversian) canal containing blood vessels and nerves.
  • What are canaliculi in bone tissue?
    Small channels that connect osteocytes in lacunae, allowing nutrient and waste exchange.
  • What is the periosteum and its role?
    A fibrous outer layer and osteogenic inner layer covering bone, providing blood supply and cells for growth and repair.
  • What is the endosteum?
    A thin membrane lining the inner surface of bone, containing osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and progenitor cells.
  • What minerals and vitamins are essential for bone growth?
    Calcium, phosphate, magnesium, vitamins A, C, and D (calcitriol) are critical for bone development and maintenance.
  • How do hormones regulate bone remodeling?
    Parathyroid hormone increases blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts; calcitonin lowers calcium by inhibiting osteoclasts.
  • What happens to bone remodeling with aging?
    Osteoblast activity declines, osteoclast activity remains, leading to decreased bone density and osteoporosis.
  • What is the difference between compact and spongy bone?
    Compact bone is dense and forms the outer layer; spongy bone is porous with trabeculae oriented along stress lines.
  • What is the medullary cavity?
    The central cavity inside long bones containing bone marrow.
  • What is the role of collagen fibers in bone?
    They provide tensile strength and are oriented parallel within lamellae to resist stress.
  • What is the function of trabeculae in spongy bone?
    They provide structural support and distribute stress within the bone.
  • What is the epiphyseal plate?
    A cartilage layer between epiphysis and diaphysis where bone lengthening occurs during growth.
  • What is the epiphyseal line?
    The remnant of the epiphyseal plate after growth has ceased.
  • What is the significance of the central canal in an osteon?
    It contains blood vessels and nerves that supply the bone.
  • How do osteoblasts and osteoclasts coordinate during appositional growth?
    Osteoblasts add bone to the outer surface while osteoclasts resorb bone inside to enlarge the medullary cavity.