Bone and Bone Tissue Anatomy and Physiology

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to anatomy and physiology of bones and bone tissue.

Orthopedics

The branch of medicine dealing with prevention or correction of disorders and injuries of bones, joints, and muscles.

Osteology

The study of bones.

Bone Functions

Includes shape, support, protection, movement, electrolyte balance, blood production, and acid-base balance.

Long Bones

Bones longer than they are wide, such as the femur and humerus.

Short Bones

Bones about as broad as they are long, shaped like cubes, such as carpal and tarsal bones.

Flat Bones

Thin, flat bones that protect organs and provide muscle attachment, such as the skull and ribs.

Irregular Bones

Bones that come in various sizes and shapes, often clustered, like vertebrae.

Diaphysis

The hollow cylinder of a long bone made of compact bone.

Articular Cartilage

Cartilage covering the epiphysis that eases bone movement within a joint.

Medullary Cavity

The central, hollow portion of a long bone.

Endosteum

Epithelial membrane lining the medullary cavity.

Red Bone Marrow

Fills the medullary cavity in children, involved in blood cell formation.

Periosteum

Dense, fibrous membrane covering the diaphysis of a bone.

Osseous Tissue

Another term for bone tissue.

Bone Matrix

Composed of collagen fibers and crystalline salts, primarily calcium and phosphate.

Tensile Strength

The ability of bone to resist stretching forces due to collagen fibers.

Compressional Strength

The ability of bones to resist strong squeezing forces due to calcium salts.

Torsional Strength

The ability of a bone to withstand twisting forces; bones are weak in this regard.

Osteoblasts

Cells that help form bone by secreting substances that comprise the bone’s matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that dissolve unwanted or unhealthy bone.

Osteocytes

Mature osteoblasts that have become entrapped in the hardened bone matrix.

Intramembranous Ossification

Process where bones of the skull and face develop from connective tissue.

Endochondral Ossification

Process where most bones evolve from cartilage.

Epiphyseal Plate

Layer of hyaline cartilage where bone lengthening occurs.

Bone Remodeling

The process of resorption (destroying old bone) and ossification (depositing new bone).

Osteoporosis

A condition where bones lose mass and become extremely brittle.

Pathologic Fracture

A break in a diseased or weakened bone.

Simple Fracture

A fracture where the bone remains aligned and surrounding tissue is intact.

Compound Fracture

A fracture where the bone pierces the skin, with potential extensive damage to surrounding tissue.

Greenstick Fracture

An incomplete fracture commonly occurring in children due to soft and flexible bones.

Comminuted Fracture

A fracture where the bone breaks into multiple pieces.

Spiral Fracture

A fracture line that spirals around the bone due to a twisting force.

Fracture Healing Phase 1

Hematoma formation at the site of the fracture.

Fracture Healing Phase 2

Transformation of granulation tissue into a soft callus.

Fracture Healing Phase 3

Formation of a hard callus around the fracture.

Fracture Healing Phase 4

Remodeling phase where callus is replaced with bone.

Trabeculae

Latticework structure of spongy bone that provides strength.

Lacunae

Tiny gaps between rings of the lamellae that contain osteocytes.

Canaliculi

Microscopic passageways that connect lamellae to each other.

Volkmann’s Canals

Transverse passageways that connect the haversian canals.

Osteopenia

Low bone density that can lead to osteoporosis.

Bone Development Regulation

Factors include heredity, nutrition, and hormones affecting bone growth.