Human Anatomy and Physiology - Chapter 06: Bones and Skeletal Tissues

Vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms and concepts in Human Anatomy and Physiology related to bones and skeletal tissues.

Skeletal Cartilage

Made of highly resilient cartilage tissue, consisting primarily of water, with no blood vessels or nerves.

Perichondrium

Dense connective tissue surrounding cartilage, providing nutrient delivery and helping resist outward expansion.

Chondrocytes

Cells encased in small cavities (lacunae) within cartilage tissue that maintain the cartilaginous matrix.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most abundant type of cartilage, providing support, flexibility, and resilience, with a matrix containing only collagen fibers.

Elastic Cartilage

Similar to hyaline cartilage but contains elastic fibers, found in the external ear and epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage

Contains thick collagen fibers with great tensile strength, found in menisci of knee and intervertebral discs.

Appositional Growth

Cartilage growth mechanism where cartilage-forming cells secrete matrix against the external face of existing cartilage.

Interstitial Growth

Cartilage growth mechanism where chondrocytes divide and secrete new matrix, expanding cartilage from within.

Ossification

Process of bone tissue formation; begins in the second month of development and continues throughout life.

Endochondral Ossification

Bone forms by replacing hyaline cartilage; occurs in most of the skeleton.

Intramembranous Ossification

Bone develops from fibrous membrane; forms cranial bones and clavicles.

Epiphyseal Plate

A layer of cartilage where growth occurs at both ends of long bones, allowing for lengthwise growth.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that secrete bone matrix (osteoid) and are actively mitotic.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix and act as stress or strain sensors.

Osteoclasts

Multinucleate cells that function in the resorption (breakdown) of bone.

Bone Remodeling

Continuous process of bone resorption and formation, maintaining bone strength and integrity.

Osteoporosis

A condition where bone resorption exceeds bone deposit, leading to fragile bones.

Rickets

A disease in children caused by vitamin D deficiency, resulting in soft and weak bones.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood by stimulating osteoclast activity.

Wolf's Law

Theory stating that bones grow or remodel in response to the stresses placed on them.