Skeletal System and Bone Anatomy

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the functions, cell types, tissues, and anatomical structures of the human skeletal system.

Bone ECM (Extra Cellular Matrix)

Primarily composed of calcium hydroxyapatite and collagen.

Hematopoiesis

Production of red blood cells (RBCs) in red bone marrow.

Yellow bone marrow

Location within the bone used to store fat.

Cartilage

A tissue type that supports the skeletal system, is avascular (no blood vessels), and heals slowly.

Elastic Cartilage

The most elastic cartilage type, found in the ear and epiglottis.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common cartilage type, found at the ends of bones and in joints.

Fibrocartilage

The strongest cartilage type, found between vertebrae and in the pubic symphysis.

Periosteum

Connective tissue covering the outer bone surface containing cells capable of bone growth, repair, and remodeling.

Spongy Bone

Specific bone tissue that contains red bone marrow; also known as cancellous bone.

Medullary Cavity

Hollow space within a bone containing yellow bone marrow.

Articular Cartilage

A layer of hyaline cartilage covering joint surfaces.

Long Bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide.

Short Bones

Bones that are cube-shaped.

Flat Bones

Bones that are thin and curved.

Irregular Bones

Bones with a complex shape.

Sesamoid Bones

Small, round bones embedded in tendons (e.g., patella).

Epiphysis

The ends of the long bone.

Diaphysis

The shaft of a long bone.

Metaphysis

The region between the epiphysis and diaphysis that contains the epiphyseal plate (growth plate).

Endosteum

The inner surface of bone containing cells capable of bone growth, repair, and remodeling.

Chondroblasts

Immature cartilage cells that produce and secrete ECM.

Chondrocytes

Mature cartilage cells located inside lacunae that maintain the cartilage ECM.

Osteoblasts

Immature bone-forming cells that build new bone and secrete osteoid (bone ECM).

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells located in lacunae that maintain bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone; important for bone remodeling and calcium regulation.

Compact Bone

Dense and strong bone tissue composed of structural units called Osteons (Haversian systems).

Lamellae

Concentric rings of bone matrix within an osteon.

Lacunae

Spaces housing osteocytes.

Canaliculi

Tiny canals connecting lacunae.

Central (Haversian) Canal

Channel containing blood vessels and nerves within an osteon.

Trabeculae

The structural unit of spongy (cancellous) bone.