Bone Development and Growth

These flashcards cover key concepts related to bone development, growth, and associated physiological processes important for understanding osteology.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells responsible for maintaining bone tissue.

Woven Bone

Also known as primary bone; a type of bone that is initially formed during ossification.

Trabeculae

Small rod-like structures that form the spongy part of bone and are involved in providing structural support.

Periosteum

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.

Intramembranous Ossification

The process of bone development from mesenchymal tissue; involved in forming flat bones.

Endochondral Ossification

The process of bone development from hyaline cartilage; primarily responsible for the formation of long bones.

Chondrocytes

Mature cartilage cells that arise from chondroblasts and maintain the cartilage matrix.

Perichondrium

A layer of connective tissue that surrounds cartilage and helps in its growth and repair.

Epiphyseal Plate

Zone of cartilage in growing bones where lengthwise growth occurs.

Calcification

The process of deposition of calcium salts in tissues, in this context, leading to bone formation.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment; critical for calcium balance in bones.

Hypocalcemia

A condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood.

Hypercalcemia

A condition characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood.

Vitamin D

A fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts and promoting calcium reabsorption in the kidneys.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that produce osteoid, the unmineralized organic component of bone.

Osteoclasts

Bone-resorbing cells that break down bone tissue by dissolving the inorganic matrix.

Wolff's Law

The principle stating that bone adapts to the loads under which it is placed.

Osteomalacia

A condition characterized by the softening of bones, often due to a deficiency in vitamin D.

Rickets

A bone disease in children caused by vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency, resulting in soft and weak bones.

Greenstick Fracture

An incomplete fracture often seen in children where the bone bends and partially breaks.

Trauma-related fractures

Fractures that occur due to excessive stress on the bone, may be classified as stress fractures or pathological fractures.

Appositional Growth

Growth in bone width, occurring throughout life, where bones increase in thickness.