Musculoskeletal System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the musculoskeletal system, its components, and functions vital for understanding human anatomy and physiology.

Musculoskeletal system

The organ system that includes muscles and bones involves attachment sites for the muscles, allowing movement.

Epiphysis

The end of a long bone, primarily composed of spongy bone.

Diaphysis

The shaft of a long bone, bordered by compact bone and containing the medullary cavity.

Osteon

The tubular units that make up compact bone, containing osteocytes in concentric circles around a central canal.

Spongy bone

Bone tissue characterized by an unorganized structure containing trabeculae; it is strong and houses red bone marrow.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage that is firm and somewhat flexible, found at the ends of long bones, nose, and trachea.

Fibrocartilage

A type of cartilage that is stronger due to thick collagen fibers, able to withstand pressure and tension; found in intervertebral discs.

Synovial joints

Freely movable joints that produce synovial fluid for lubrication, such as in the shoulder and knee.

Tendon

A fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Ligament

A fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to bone.

Endochondral ossification

The process by which hyaline cartilage is gradually replaced by bone, forming most bones in the skeleton.

Osteoblasts

Cells responsible for bone formation by depositing bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue during the process of remodeling.

Myofibrils

Contractile threads found in muscle fibers made up of sarcomeres, consisting of actin and myosin filaments.

Calcium phosphate

A mineral salt that gives bone its strength and rigidity.

Muscle fiber

A single muscle cell that is capable of contraction.

Antagonistic muscles

Muscle pairs that produce opposite movements at joints, such as flexors and extensors.

Myoglobin

A pigment that binds oxygen in muscle cells, allowing for efficient energy production during muscular activity.

Creatine phosphate

A high-energy compound in muscle cells that donates phosphate to ADP to form ATP, providing rapid energy.

Oxygen debt

The amount of oxygen required to metabolize lactic acid and replenish creatine phosphate levels following intense exercise.