Unit 4 - Human A&P

Articular Cartilage

Dense, white, connective tissue that covers the articulating surfaces of bones at joints.

Cortical Bone

Dense, solid bone that covers the outer surface of all bones and is the main form of bone tissue in the long bone.

Hematopoiesis

Process of red blood cell formation and development.

Ossification

Process of bone formation.

Osteoblasts

Specialized bone cells that build new bone tissue.

Osteoclasts

Specialized bone cells that resorb bone tissue.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells.

Trabecular Bone

Interior, spongy bone with porous, honeycomb structure.

Axial Skeleton

Central, stable portion of the skeletal system, consisting of the skull, spinal column, and thoracic cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The bones of the body’s appendages; the arms and legs.

Bursae

Small capsules lined with synovial membranes and filled with synovial fluid; they cushion the structures they separate.

Ligaments

Bands composed of collagen and elastic fibers that connect bones to other bones.

Tendon

Tissue band composed of collagen and elastic fibers that connects a muscle to a bone.

Tendon Sheaths

Double-layered synovial structures surrounding tendons subject to friction given their position close to bones; secrete synovial fluid to promote free motion of the tendons during joint movement.

Avulsion

A fracture caused when a tendon or ligament pulls away from its attachment to a bone, taking a small chip of bone with it.

Dislocation

Injury that involves displacement of a bone from its joint socket.

Fracture

Any break or disruption of continuity in a bone.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative disease of articular cartilage, characterized by pain, swelling, range-of-motion restriction, and stiffness.

Osteopenia

Reduced bone mass without the presence of a fracture.

Osteoporosis

Condition in which bone mineralization and strength are so abnormally low that regular, daily activities can result in painful fractures.