Skeletal System: Components, Functions, Bone Types, and Joints

What are the components of the skeletal system?

Bones, cartilages, joints, ligaments, connective tissues

What are the functions of the skeletal system?

Support, protection, leverage & movement, mineral storage, blood cell production, energy storage

What are the classifications of bones by shape?

Long bones, short bones, flat bones, irregular bones

What is the structure of a long bone?

Diaphysis (shaft), epiphyses (ends), epiphyseal plate/line (growth region)

What are the types of bone tissue?

Compact bone and spongy bone

What are the types of bone cells?

Osteoblasts (build bone), osteocytes (maintain bone matrix), osteoclasts (break down bone)

What are the requirements for bone growth?

Calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, vitamins A and C, hormones

What is bone remodeling?

Continuous process of bone breakdown and rebuilding

What is calcium homeostasis?

99% of calcium stored in bones, regulated by PTH, calcitriol, and calcitonin

What are the classifications of bone fractures?

Open vs. closed, complete vs. incomplete, linear, transverse, oblique, comminuted

What is osteopenia?

Normal age-related bone thinning

What is osteoporosis?

Severe bone loss, common after menopause

What are bone markings?

Projections for muscle/ligament attachment and depressions/openings for nerves and blood vessels

What are the divisions of the skeletal system?

Axial skeleton and appendicular skeleton

What is included in the axial skeleton?

Skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage

What are fontanelles?

Soft spots in infant skull allowing flexibility and brain growth

How does the female pelvis differ from the male pelvis?

Female: wider, smoother, larger pelvic outlet; Male: narrower, heavier, more pronounced markings

What are the types of joints?

Fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial

What are the types of synovial joints?

Hinge, pivot, saddle, ball-and-socket, condylar (ellipsoid), gliding (plane)

What causes knee joint injuries?

Ligament damage from twisting, hyperextension, or impact

How does the skeletal system interact with other systems?

Muscular (movement), endocrine (hormone regulation), cardiovascular & lymphatic (marrow and transport), digestive & urinary (mineral balance)