Bone Histology Study Guide

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering the key structures, cell types, and components of bone histology based on the lecture study guide.

Bone histology

The study of the microscopic structure of bone tissue.

Osteogenic (osteoprogenitor) cells

Stem cells that can divide and develop into osteoblasts.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build bone by producing new bone matrix.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that were once osteoblasts trapped inside the bone matrix, responsible for maintaining and monitoring mature bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down and resorb bone, which is important for bone remodeling and releasing calcium into the blood.

Organic portion of bone matrix

The portion of bone matrix made mostly of collagen fibers that provides flexibility and tensile strength.

Inorganic portion of bone matrix

The portion of bone matrix made mostly of calcium phosphate salts that provides hardness and resistance to compression.

Compact bone

The dense, hard outer layer of bone whose basic structural unit is the osteon.

Osteon (Haversian system)

The basic structural unit of compact bone.

Central canal

A structure that runs through the center of an osteon and contains blood vessels and nerves.

Lamellae

Rings or layers of bone matrix surrounding the central canal.

Lacunae

Small spaces between the lamellae that contain osteocytes.

Canaliculi

Tiny channels connecting lacunae that allow osteocytes to communicate and exchange nutrients and waste.

Spongy bone

Lighter bone tissue with a porous, open appearance that contains trabeculae and usually does not have osteons.

Trabeculae

Thin plates or struts of bone that create a lattice-like framework in spongy bone.

Periosteum

A tough connective tissue membrane covering the outside of bone, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner osteogenic layer.

Outer fibrous layer of periosteum

The outer layer of the periosteum responsible for protection and attachment.

Inner osteogenic layer of periosteum

The inner layer of the periosteum containing cells involved in bone growth and repair.

Endosteum

A thin membrane that lines the inside surfaces of bone, including the medullary cavity and internal bone surfaces.