Module 23 - Bone & Bone Tissue: Physiology I

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the functions and structure of the skeletal system, focusing on bones and cartilage.

Skeletal System

The framework of bones, cartilage, and other connective tissues that supports the body and its organs.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue that provides support and cushioning in joints; less strong than bone.

Ligaments

Dense regular connective tissues that connect bones to bones, providing stability at joints.

Tendons

Strong, fibrous connective tissues that connect muscles to bones, facilitating movement.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common type of cartilage, found at joint surfaces, the nose, and trachea, which provides support and flexibility.

Elastic Cartilage

A type of cartilage that is more flexible due to the presence of elastic fibers, found in structures like the ear.

Fibrocartilage

The strongest type of cartilage, providing support in weight-bearing areas like intervertebral discs.

Bone Marrow

The tissue found within bones that is responsible for blood cell production; two types are red and yellow marrow.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build bone matrix by producing both organic and inorganic components.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix and play a role in bone health.

Perichondrium

A layer of connective tissue that surrounds cartilage, providing a blood supply and support.

Appositional Growth

Type of cartilage growth that occurs from the outside, adding new layers of cartilage.

Interstitial Growth

Type of cartilage growth from within, where mature chondrocytes divide and expand the cartilage.

Hydroxyapatite

The inorganic mineral compound that provides compressive strength to bone; primarily composed of calcium phosphate.

Canaliculi

Microscopic channels in bone connective tissue that allow for nutrient and gas exchange between osteocytes.