Anatomy and Functions of Long Bones

Diaphysis

The shaft of the bone, providing strong support.

Epiphysis

The ends of the bone, which are typically wider and assist in forming joints.

Articular Cartilage

Covers the epiphysis where the bone forms a joint with another bone. This cartilage reduces friction and acts as a cushion.

Periosteum

A fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of the bone, except at the joints. It contains nerves and blood vessels that nourish the bone.

Medullary Cavity

A central cavity in the diaphysis, containing bone marrow.

Endosteum

A thin vascular membrane lining the inner surface of the bone.

Metaphysis

Contains the growth plate (epiphyseal plate), crucial for bone lengthening during development.

Epiphyseal plate

Reduces friction and absorbs shock in joints.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells responsible for maintaining the bone matrix.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that secrete the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Large cells that break down bone tissue, crucial for the bone remodeling process.

Osteoprogenitor Cells

Stem cells that differentiate into osteoblasts.

Compact Bone

Dense and forms the outer layer of bones.

Spongy Bone

Lighter and less dense, found mainly in the epiphysis of long bones.

Intramembranous Ossification

process where bone forms directly from connective tissue.

Endochondral Ossification

how most long bones in the body develop

Epiphyseal Plate

Cartilage cells multiply and are replaced by bone at the diaphyseal end of the plate.

Appositional Growth

process where bones increase in width or thickness

Bone Remodeling

A lifelong process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and formation by osteoblasts, essential for bone strength and calcium balance.

axial division

skull, vertebrae, ribs and sternum

appendicular divisions

everything that attaches to the axial

skull bones (f,p,t,o,s,e)

frontal,parietal,temporal,occipital,sphenoid, ethmoid

frontal bone

Forms the forehead and upper eye sockets

parietal bone

Form most of the skull and protect the brain

temporal bone

Protect the sides of the brain and support the face

occipital bone

Forms the back of the skull and supports the head 

Sphenoid bone

Supports facial muscles and forms the middle part of the cranial floor 

Ethmoid bone

Forms part of the nasal cavity and eye socket structures 

zygomatic bone

forms the cheek and part of the eye socket for structure

Maxilla

The upper jaw, containing sockets for teeth.

Mandible

lower jaw

palatine bone

forms the roof of the mouth and separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity

lacrimal bone

forms part of the eye socket

nasal bone

forms the bridge of the nose

vomer bone

supports the structure of the nasal passages and face

hyoid bone

front of the neck to speak and swallow

body

supports the body's weight and protects the spinal cord

Vertebral foramen

allow the spinal cord and meninges to pass through

Vertebral arch

forms the lateral and posterior walls of the vertebral foramen

Pedicle

create a protective ring around the spinal cord

lamina

provides support and protection for the backside of the spinal cord

Transverse process

a site of muscle attachment

Spinous process

The back projection for muscle attachment, strengthens the spine and enables movement.

Articular processes

allow for movement and support of the vertebral arch

intervertebral notches

helps with shock absorption and flexibility

ribs

Protects vital organs

sternum

protection and support

Acromion process.

stabilize the shoulder joint

Scapular spine

lets you move and use your shoulder

Coracoid process

attachment for muscles

Glenoid cavity

articulates with humerus

Clavicle

support your upper body and is how you move

head

allows motion

Growth Hormone

promotes bone development.

Parathyroid Hormone

regulating calcium balance in the body

Osteoblasts

cells responsible for the formation of new bone tissue

osteocytes

maintaining bone tissue

ossification

process of bone formation