Skeletal System flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the skeletal system.

Skeletal System

The system made up of bones, providing support, protection, and various other functions.

Osteoporosis

A condition that results from loss of bone mineralization, often related to changes in bone density.

Long Bones

Bones that are long and narrow with expanded ends, examples include the tibia and femur.

Short Bones

Cube-like bones where length and width are approximately equal.

Flat Bones

Plate-like bones with broad surfaces, such as the skull.

Irregular Bones

Bones with complex shapes that don't fit into the other categories.

Epiphysis

The expanded end of a long bone.

Diaphysis

The shaft of a long bone.

Metaphysis

The widening part between the diaphysis and epiphysis.

Articular Cartilage

Hyaline cartilage that covers the epiphysis of bones, where joints occur.

Periosteum

The dense connective tissue that covers the outer surface of bones.

Compact Bone

The dense and solid part of bone that forms the walls of the diaphysis.

Spongy Bone

Bone tissue that is porous and found in the epiphysis.

Medullary Cavity

The hollow chamber within the diaphysis that contains bone marrow.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell that helps maintain bone tissue.

Osteoblast

A bone-forming cell that produces bone matrix.

Osteoclast

A bone-resorbing cell that breaks down bone tissue.

Collagen Type I

Fibers associated with growth that have low tensile strength.

Collagen Type II

Stronger collagen fibers that are less likely to break.

Hematopoisis

The process of blood cell production, occurring in red bone marrow.

Osteogenis Imperfecta

A hereditary condition causing brittle bones due to collagen defects.

Intramembranous Ossification

Process by which flat bones develop from connective tissue.

Endochondral Ossification

The process by which long bones develop from hyaline cartilage models.

Primary Ossification Center

The area in the center of the diaphysis where bone tissue first replaces cartilage.

Secondary Ossification Centers

Areas in the epiphysis where spongy bone forms later in development.

Epiphyseal Plate

A band of cartilage that allows for bone growth during development.

Vitamin D

Essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that stimulates osteoclasts, leading to bone breakdown.

Sex Hormones

Hormones that promote bone formation and ossification of the epiphyseal plate.

Traumatic Fracture

A fracture caused by an injury.

Spontaneous Fracture

A fracture caused by disease, such as osteogenesis imperfecta.

Simple Fracture

A fracture that is protected by uninjured skin.

Compound Fracture

An open fracture where the bone is exposed through the skin.

Fracture Repair Steps

The healing process of a fracture, including hematoma formation, callus formation, and remodeling.

Cervical Vertebrae

Vertebrae in the neck region, consisting of seven individual bones.

Kyphosis

An exaggerated thoracic curvature of the spine, often referred to as hunchback.

Scoliosis

An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.

True Ribs

The first seven pairs of ribs that attach directly to the sternum.

False Ribs

The last five pairs of ribs that do not attach directly to the sternum.

Bone Remodeling

The body starts to break down bone for absorption of calcium

Bone resorption

Removal of bone by osteoclasts

Bone deposition

Formation of bone by osteoblasts

Thyroid hormone

Causes replacement of cartilage with bone in epiphyseal plate; osteoblast activity; spongy bone to compact bone.

Hematoma (first step in repair)

Large blood clot; forms right after the fracture occurs

Cartilaginous callus (second step in repair)

Fibrocartilage is produced, osteoblasts invade and produce spongy bone, phagocytes remove debris

Bony callus (third step in repair)

Fibrocartilage is replaced by bone, forming the bony callus

Remolding (final step in repair)

Bone is restored close to original shape, as osteoclasts remove excess bone

Atlas

C1 - supports head, articulates with occipital condyles

Axis

C2 - pivots around the dens of this