Skeletal System Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions relating to the skeletal system, including bone types, functions, and related terms.

Osteoblast

A cell that builds the bone matrix around itself.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell that maintains bone tissue.

Osseous tissue

Hard tissue that makes up the bones.

Skeletal system functions

Protection, mineral storage, blood cell formation, fat storage, movement, support.

Hematopoiesis

The production of blood cells.

Red bone marrow

The site of blood cell formation.

Yellow bone marrow

Stores fat cells, found in the medullary cavity.

Long bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide.

Short bones

Roughly cube-shaped bones, the length and width are similar.

Flat bones

Broad, flat and thin bones.

Irregular bones

Bones that do not fit into other classifications due to their irregular shapes.

Sesamoid bones

Bones that resemble a sesame seed, such as the patella.

Medullary cavity

The cavity within a long bone that contains marrow.

Bone matrix

The intercellular substance in which bone cells are embedded.

Calcium and phosphorus

Minerals stored in bones, important for hard tissue.

Bony prominences

Extensions from bone surfaces that serve as attachment sites for muscles and ligaments.