Unit 4: Bone Physiology - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering bone structure, types, ossification, growth, remodeling, mineral homeostasis, and clinical conditions from Unit 4: Bone Physiology.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell production, which takes place within the red bone marrow.

Sesamoid Bones

Specialized short bones that develop within tendons, such as the patella.

Diaphysis

The central tubular shaft of a long bone.

Epiphysis

The enlarged terminal end of a long bone, typically filled with spongy bone and marrow.

Metaphysis

The narrow region of a long bone situated between the diaphysis and the epiphysis, containing the epiphyseal plate.

Red Bone Marrow

Active hemopoietic tissue that generates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Yellow Bone Marrow

Inactive marrow consisting predominantly of adipose cells stored in the medullary cavity.

Periosteum

A two-layered membrane covering the exterior surface of bone, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner osteogenic layer.

Endosteum

The vascular membrane lining the internal medullary cavity and trabeculae of bone.

Volkmann's Canals

Channels in compact bone running perpendicular to the central canals, allowing blood vessels and nerves to enter from the periosteum.

Epiphyseal Plate

A region of hyaline cartilage located at the metaphysis of growing long bones where lengthening occurs; also known as the growth plate.

Epiphyseal Line

The remnant line formed after the cartilage of the epiphyseal plate fully ossifies when growth in length ceases.

Articular Cartilage

A layer of hyaline cartilage covering the epiphysis at joint surfaces to reduce friction and absorb impact.

Intramembranous Ossification

Bone formation directly from mesenchyme tissue membranes, forming flat bones of the skull, mandible, and clavicle.

Endochondral Ossification

Bone formation process where a pre-existing hyaline cartilage model is replaced by bone tissue, forming most bones in the body.

Fontanelles

Unossified areas of dense connective tissue between skull bones in newborns that provide flexibility during birth and accommodate brain growth.

Appositional Growth

Increase in bone width or thickness achieved by adding circumferential lamellae layers to the surface while remodeling the interior marrow cavity.

Wolff's Law

The biological law stating that bone remodels and adapts in structure according to the compressive forces and mechanical loads placed upon it.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that elevates blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity to break down bone matrix and release stored calcium.

Calcitonin

A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclasts and promoting osteoblast deposition of calcium into bone.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by overall reduced bone density and structural weakness with a normal inorganic to organic matrix ratio, frequently predisposing patients to compression fractures.

Bone Repair Stages

The multi-step healing sequence following a fracture: fracture hematoma formation, soft callus development, bony callus formation, and bone remodeling.