Chapter 6: Skeletal System: Cartilage, Bones, and Bone Tissue

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the skeletal system, including functions, cell types, growth processes, and repair mechanisms.

What are the functions of the skeletal system?

Support, protection, movement, storage, and blood cell production.

What is the role of osteoblasts in bone formation?

Osteoblasts are responsible for the formation of bone through ossification and produce collagen for the bone matrix.

What is the difference between intramembranous and endochondral ossification?

Intramembranous ossification occurs in connective tissue membranes, while endochondral ossification occurs in a cartilage model.

What are osteocytes and their function?

Osteocytes are mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix by communicating with other bone cells.

What is the role of osteoclasts?

Osteoclasts are responsible for the resorption of bone, breaking down the bone matrix.

What is the significance of the epiphyseal plate?

The epiphyseal plate is the growth plate that allows for elongation of bones during childhood.

What happens during callus formation in bone repair?

A callus is formed as a mass of tissue connects the broken ends of a bone during the healing process.

Describe the process of bone remodeling.

Bone remodeling involves the conversion of woven bone to lamellar bone through the action of osteoclasts and osteoblasts.

What factors affect bone growth?

Genetic factors, nutrition, and hormones can influence the size and shape of bones.

What are the components of compact bone structure?

Compact bone consists of osteons (Haversian systems) containing central canals, lamellae, lacunae, and canaliculi.

How does calcium homeostasis relate to bone health?

Calcium levels in blood depend on the balance between calcium deposition and resorption in bone, regulated by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.

What is osteopetrosis?

Osteopetrosis is a condition characterized by defective osteoclasts leading to excessive bone density and brittleness.