Anatomy 201 Chapter 6: Bone Questions

What differences between compact and spongy bone can be seen with the naked eye?

Compact bone appears homogeneous; spongy bone has obvious spaces.

What is the function of the periosteum?

The periosteum protects the bone and is the structure from which blood vessels and nerves enter bone. It provides an attachment site for tendons and ligaments and supplies osteoblasts for new bone.

How does the appearance of the chondrocytes in the transformation zone differ from those in the growth zone?

The appearance of the chondrocytes in the growth zone are of smaller cells because they are undergoing mitosis. The older cohondroctyes in the transformation zone become enlarged as the matrix becomes calcified.

Compare and contrast events occurring on the epiphyseal and diaphyseal faces of the epiphyseal plate.

On the epiphyseal face, cartilage cells are resting and relatively inactive. Right below this, the cartilage cells are rapidly reproducing. On the diaphyseal face, chondrocytes are dying, the matrix is calcifying, and the cartilage is being replaced by bone.

What is the function of the organic matrix in bone?

The organic matrix provides flexibility (and strength).

Name the important organic bone components.

The most important organic bone components are cells, collagen fibers, and ground substance (proteoglycans and glycoproteins).

Calcium salts form the bulk of the inorganic material in bone. What is the function of the calcium salts?

The function of calcium salts is to provide hardness and strength and resist compression.