Chapter 6: The Skeletal System

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the skeletal system, including bone structure, growth, and disorders.

Proximal Epiphysis

The end of a long bone closest to the body.

Distal Epiphysis

The end of a long bone furthest from the body.

Metaphysis

The region of a long bone where the epiphysis meets the diaphysis.

Articular Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that covers the ends of bones at joints.

Spongy Bone

Bone with a lattice-like structure, providing strength with less weight.

Compact Bone

Dense and strong bone forming the outer layer of a bone.

Medullary Cavity

The central cavity of a bone where yellow bone marrow is stored.

Yellow Bone Marrow

Fat storage tissue found in the medullary cavity of long bones.

Red Bone Marrow

Tissue responsible for the production of blood cells.

Periosteum

The dense connective tissue covering the outer surfaces of bones.

Diaphysis

The long shaft of a long bone.

Endosteum

The thin layer of connective tissue lining the medullary cavity.

Intramembranous Ossification

Process of bone development from fibrous membranes.

Endochondral Ossification

Process of bone development from a cartilage model.

Appositional Growth

Growth in the diameter of bones.

Interstitial Growth

Growth in the length of bones.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that secrete the bone matrix.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue.

Calcium Phosphate

Inorganic mineral that provides strength to bones.

Collagen Fibers

Organic matrix component providing flexibility to bone.

Thyroid Hormone

Hormone regulating growth and metabolism; important for bone growth.

Calcitonin

Hormone that lowers blood calcium levels by promoting bone formation.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption.

Osteoporosis

A condition where bones become weak and fragile, increasing fracture risk.

Rickets

Disease in children caused by vitamin D deficiency, leading to bone deformities.

Fibrous Joint

A type of joint connected by fibrous tissue, allowing minimal movement.

Cartilaginous Joint

A type of joint where bones are joined by cartilage, allowing slight movement.

Synovial Joint

A joint characterized by a fluid-filled space, allowing for a wide range of motion.

Central Canal

A microscopic channel in bone that contains the bone's blood vessels and nerves, providing nutrients and facilitating communication between bone cells.

Canaliculi

Small channels that connect lacunae (spaces containing osteocytes) to the central canal, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and waste between osteocytes and the blood supply.