Microscopic Structure of Bone and Cartilage

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the microscopic structure of bone and cartilage.

Compact Bone

Bone that has no open spaces and contains structural units called osteons.

Osteon

The structural unit of compact bone, also known as the Haversian system.

Trabeculae

Needle-like threads of bone found in spongy bone that create a textured structure surrounded by open spaces.

Red Bone Marrow

Substance found in the spaces of spongy bone, involved in the production of blood cells.

Chondrocyte

A type of cell located in lacunae that forms cartilage.

Lacunae

Small spaces within the cartilage matrix where chondrocytes are located.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that produce osteocytes and are involved in the replacement of cartilage with bone.

Osteoclasts

Bone-resorbing cells that work alongside osteoblasts to sculpt bones into their adult shape.

Matrix (in cartilage)

A gel-like substance that lacks blood vessels and contains chondrocytes.

Epiphyses

The ends of long bones where spongy bone is typically found.