Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology - Chapter 6: Bones and Bone Structure

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the skeletal system, bone structure, classification of bones, and the processes of bone formation and remodeling.

Skeletal system

Includes bones of the skeleton, cartilages, ligaments, and other connective tissues.

Functions of the skeletal system

Functions include support, storage of minerals and lipids, blood cell production, protection, and leverage.

Classification of bones

Bones can be classified based on shape and structure.

Sutural bones

Small, flat, irregularly shaped bones found between the flat bones of the skull.

Irregular bones

Have complex shapes; examples include the spinal vertebrae and pelvic bones.

Short bones

Boxy, small, and thick; include the carpal bones of the wrist and tarsal bones of the ankles.

Flat bones

Thin with parallel surfaces; examples are the bones of the skull roof, sternum, ribs, and scapulae.

Long bones

Long and slender; found in the arms, legs, and fingers, with the femur being the largest.

Sesamoid bones

Usually small, round, and flat bones that develop within tendons.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix and help repair damaged bone.

Osteoblasts

Immature cells that produce new bone matrix during ossification.

Osteoclasts

Multinucleate cells that absorb and remove bone matrix.

Ossification

The process of bone formation.

Calcification

The deposition of calcium salts.

Endochondral ossification

A form of ossification where most bones form from cartilage.

Intramembranous ossification

Bone development that occurs within the mesenchyme or fibrous connective tissue.

Periosteum

A membrane that covers the outer surfaces of bones, consisting of outer fibrous and inner cellular layers.

Epiphyseal plate

A cartilaginous region that separates the epiphysis from the diaphysis in growing bones.

Calcium homeostasis

The regulation of calcium ion concentrations in body fluids.

Osteopenia

Inadequate ossification resulting in reduction of bone mass.

Osteoporosis

Severe loss of bone mass that compromises normal function, commonly associated with aging.

Fracture hematoma

A large blood clot that forms at the fracture site soon after a fracture occurs.

Callus formation

A stabilizing structure that forms at the fracture zone during healing.

Bone remodeling

The continuous process of bone tissue renewal and maintenance.