Unit 4 Skeletal System Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to the skeletal system, including functions, types of bones, and joint classifications.

Support

A function of the skeletal system that provides a framework that supports the body and maintains its shape.

Protection

A function of the skeletal system that shields vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.

Movement

A function of the skeletal system where bones act as levers for muscles to pull on, enabling movement.

Storage

A function of the skeletal system that stores calcium, minerals, and fat in yellow marrow.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation that occurs in red marrow.

Compact Bone

Dense, smooth, and strong bone found in the diaphysis of long bones, made of osteons.

Spongy Bone

Porous, honeycomb-like bone found in epiphyses and flat bones, containing red marrow.

Calcium salts

Inorganic component of bone matrix providing hardness, strength, and resistance to compression.

Collagen fibers

Organic component of bone matrix providing flexibility and preventing brittleness.

Axial Skeleton

The 'axis' of the body including the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage, primarily for protection.

Appendicular Skeleton

Includes limbs and girdles (shoulder and pelvis) responsible for movement and locomotion.

Diaphysis

The long shaft of a long bone consisting of compact bone.

Epiphysis

The ends of a long bone consisting of spongy bone and red marrow.

Periosteum

The tough covering around a bone.

Endosteum

The lining inside the medullary cavity of a bone.

Articular cartilage

Covers the epiphyses of bones to reduce friction at joints.

Epiphyseal Plate

Growth plate in children made of hyaline cartilage.

Ossification

The process by which bone is formed, beginning as a hyaline cartilage model in a fetus.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build bone and deposit calcium and collagen.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone and release calcium into the blood.

Hematoma

A blood clot that forms immediately after a fracture.

Bony callus

A formation that replaces the fibrous cartilage callus during bone healing.

Partial Fracture

A fracture where the bone is cracked but not broken into two pieces.

Complete Fracture

A fracture where the bone breaks into two separate pieces.

Simple (closed) Fracture

A fracture where the bone does not break the skin.

Compound (open) Fracture

A fracture where the bone breaks through the skin, increasing infection risk.

Dislocation

A joint injury where a bone is forced out of its joint, potentially damaging ligaments and blood vessels.

Bony Joints

Immovable joints connected by dense connective tissue, found in skull structures.

Cartilaginous Joints

Slightly movable joints connected by cartilage, such as vertebrae.

Synovial Joints

Freely movable joints characterized by synovial capsules, fluid, and cartilage.