Bone Tissue and the Skeletal System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to bone tissue and the skeletal system, providing essential definitions for study and review.

Ossification

The process of bone tissue formation.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cells in red marrow.

Periosteum

The outer fibrous layer that protects and anchors tendons/ligaments and houses bone-forming cells.

Endosteum

The delicate inner lining that plays a role in bone growth, repair, and remodeling.

Compact Bone

A dense type of osseous tissue characterized by its solid structure and organized into units called osteons.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells that form osteoid, which is the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells that break down bone tissue (resorption).

Long Bones

Bones that are longer than wide and act as levers for movement (e.g. femur, humerus).

Spongy Bone

A type of bone that has a lattice-like structure and houses red marrow.

Wolff’s Law

A principle stating that bone adapts to stress by becoming thicker and stronger.

Hypocalcemia

A condition of low blood calcium levels leading to muscle spasms and increased nerve excitability.

Hypercalcemia

A condition of high blood calcium levels that can cause muscle weakness and cardiac issues.

Epiphyseal Plate

The growth plate in long bones where bone lengthening occurs.

Mineral Storage

The function of bones to store essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Articulation

The area where two bone surfaces come together, often forming joints.