Ch.50 Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and important terms related to the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system.

Musculoskeletal System

The organ system that enables humans and other animals to move using the muscular and skeletal systems.

Bone

Dense connective tissue that makes up the skeleton, providing structure, protection, and support.

Osteoblasts

Cells responsible for bone formation; they synthesize bone matrix and coordinate the mineralization of the skeleton.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue, playing a crucial role in bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis.

Trabecular Bone

Also known as spongy or cancellous bone; lighter and less dense than cortical bone, providing structural support and flexibility.

Periosteum

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.

Wolff's Law

The principle that bone in a healthy person or animal will adapt to the loads under which it is placed.

Synovial Joint

A type of joint characterized by a synovial cavity filled with fluid, allowing for mobility between bones.

Fibrous Joint

A type of joint held together by dense connective tissue, allowing for little to no movement, such as sutures in the skull.

Myosin

A protein that, together with actin, is responsible for muscle contraction.

Type of Joints

Includes synarthroses (immovable), diarthroses (freely movable), and amphiarthroses (slightly movable), classified based on mobility.

Strain

The deformation of materials that results from an applied stress; in muscles, it refers to the overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers.

Calcium's role in muscle contraction

Calcium ions bind to troponin, causing a change in tropomyosin positioning and exposing binding sites for muscle contraction.

Tendons

Connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, facilitating movement.

Ligaments

Connective tissues that connect bones to other bones and stabilize joints.

Hematoma Formation

The first stage of fracture healing characterized by blood clot formation at the fracture site.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue that protects joints, absorbs shock, and provides support within the body.