Human Biology Chapter 6 Vocab

Bone (Osseous) Tissue

Hard, dense connective tissue that forms the structural elements of the skeleton.

Cartilage

Semi-rigid connective tissue found on the skeleton in areas where flexibility and smooth surfaces support movement.

Skeletal System

Organ system composed of bones and cartilage that provides movement, support, and protection.

Yellow Marrow

Connective tissue in the interior cavity of a bone where fat is stored.

Red Marrow

Connective tissue in the interior cavity of a bone where hematopoiesis takes place.

Hematopoiesis

Production of blood cells, which occurs in the red marrow of bones.

Long Bone

Cylinder-shaped bone that is longer than it is wide; functions as a lever.

Short Bone

Cube-shaped bone that is approximately equal in length, width, and thickness; provides limited motion.

Flat Bone

Thin and curved bone that serves as a point of attachment for muscles and protects internal organs.

Irregular Bone

Bone of complex shape that protects internal organs from compressive forces.

Sesamoid Bone

Small, round bone embedded in a tendon that protects the tendon from compressive forces.

Diaphysis

Tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of a long bone.

Epiphysis

Wide section at each end of a long bone; filled with spongy bone and red marrow.

Medullary Cavity

Hollow region of the diaphysis that is filled with yellow marrow.

Compact Bone

Dense osseous tissue that can withstand compressive forces.

Epiphyseal Plate

Sheet of hyaline cartilage in a growing bone that allows the bone to increase in length; also called the growth plate.

Endosteum

Delicate membranous lining of a bone's medullary cavity.

Periosteum

Fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of bone.

Articular Cartilage

Thin layer of cartilage covering an epiphysis that reduces friction and acts as a shock absorber.

Articulation

Location where two bone surfaces meet; a joint.

Projection

Bone marking where part of the surface sticks out, often for tendon and ligament attachment.

Hole/Foramen

Opening or depression in a bone that allows passage of blood vessels or nerves.

Fossa

Shallow depression in a bone.

Osteoblast

Cell responsible for forming new bone.

Osteocyte

Mature bone cell responsible for maintaining the bone matrix.

Lacuna

Space in bone tissue that houses an osteocyte.

Canaliculi

Small channels in bone matrix that allow osteocytes to communicate and receive nutrients.

Osteoclast

Cell responsible for resorbing (breaking down) bone.

Osteon

Basic structural unit of compact bone made of concentric layers of calcified matrix.

Central Canal

Longitudinal channel in the center of an osteon containing blood vessels and nerves; also called the Haversian canal.

Spongy Bone

Trabeculated bone tissue that helps support shifts in weight distribution; also called cancellous bone.

Trabeculae

Lattice-like spikes or sections that form the framework of spongy bone.

Ossification

Process of bone formation; also called osteogenesis.

Remodeling

Process in which old or damaged bone is resorbed by osteoclasts and replaced by new bone formed by osteoblasts.

Fracture

A broken bone.

Fracture Hematoma

Blood clot that forms at the site of a broken bone.

Internal Callus

Fibrocartilaginous matrix that forms between the ends of a broken bone during healing.

External Callus

Collar of hyaline cartilage and bone that forms around the outside of a fracture during healing.

Osteoporosis

Disease characterized by decreased bone mass due to bone resorption occurring faster than bone formation.