Functions and Structures of the Skeletal System

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts and terminology related to the skeletal system, including its functions, structures, bones, and related processes.

What are the six main functions of the skeletal system?

1. Support, 2. Protection, 3. Movement, 4. Hematopoiesis, 5. Mineral Storage, 6. Energy Storage.

What function of the skeletal system involves making blood cells?

Hematopoiesis.

What minerals does the skeletal system primarily store?

Calcium and phosphate.

What are the four main parts included in the skeletal system?

Bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

What do ligaments connect?

Bone to bone.

What do tendons connect?

Muscle to bone.

Name an example of a long bone.

Femur (thigh bone) or Humerus (arm bone).

What type of bone is cube-like in shape?

Short bone (e.g., carpals, tarsals).

Name two examples of flat bones.

Skull, ribs.

Which type of bone tissue is dense, solid, and makes up 80% of bone mass?

Compact bone (Cortical).

What is spongy bone also known as, and what is its primary characteristic?

Cancellous or Trabecular bone; it is porous and sponge-like, holding marrow.

What is the shaft of a long bone called?

Diaphysis.

What is the smooth covering at the joints of a long bone, and what is its function?

Articular Cartilage; reduces friction.

What is the growth plate found in children called, and what does it become in adults?

Epiphyseal Plate (in kids) becomes the Epiphyseal Line (in adults).

What is the function of red bone marrow?

Makes blood cells (hematopoiesis).

Where is yellow bone marrow primarily located and what does it store?

In the medullary cavity; stores fat (and can convert to red marrow if needed).

Which bone cell is responsible for building new bone tissue?

Osteoblast ('B for Build').

Which bone cell breaks down old bone tissue?

Osteoclast ('C for Crush').

Which bone formation process creates flat bones like the skull, forming directly from tissue?

Intramembranous Ossification.

Which bone formation process begins with a cartilage model that later turns into bone, forming long bones?

Endochondral Ossification.

Explain the role of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in bone remodeling.

Osteoclasts break down old bone (releasing calcium), and osteoblasts build new bone.

What is the first step in bone repair after a fracture?

Hematoma (blood clot forms).

How many bones are in an adult human body?

206 bones.

Which bone is the strongest in the human body?

Femur (thigh bone).

Which is the smallest bone in the human body?

Stapes (in your ear).