Lab 6: Bone Histology - Long Bone, Cartilage, and Bone Types

(Anatomy & Physiology I)

Long bone

Bone that is longer than it is wide. Functions in support and movement.

Proximal epiphysis

End of a long bone closest to the point of attachment.

Distal epiphysis

End of a long bone farthest from the point of attachment.

Diaphysis

Shaft or long central portion of a long bone.

Metaphysis

Region between the epiphysis and diaphysis. Contains the growth plate.

Metaphysis

Where is the growth plate located?

Epiphyseal plate

Growth region responsible for lengthening bones during development.

Epiphyseal line

Remnant of the epiphyseal plate after growth stops.

Articular cartilage

Hyaline cartilage covering the ends of bones at joints. Reduces friction and absorbs shock.

Reduce friction, absorb shock

What does articular cartilage do?

Hyaline cartilage

What kind of tissue is articular cartilage composed of?

Hyaline cartilage

Smooth cartilage that reduces friction and supports joints.

Chondrocyte

Mature cartilage cell found in hyaline cartilage.

Fibrocartilage

Strong cartilage that resists compression and absorbs shock. Found in intervertebral discs.

Intervertebral discs

Where is fibrocartilage found?

Femur, humerus

What are examples of long bones?

Short bones

Cube-shaped bones that provide stability and support.

Carpals, tarsals

What are examples of short bones?

Sesamoid bones

Small bones that develop inside tendons.

Patella

What is an example of sesamoid bones?

Flat bones

Thin, flattened bones that protect organs and provide muscle attachment.

Skull, ribs, sternum

What are examples of flat bones?

Irregular bones

Bones with complex shapes.

Vertebrae, facial bones

What are examples of irregular bones?

Support

Provides framework for the body. (Bone Function)

Protection

Shields internal organs. (Bone Function)

Movement

Provides attachment points for muscles. (Bone Function)

Mineral storage

Stores calcium and phosphate. (Bone Function)

Hematopoiesis

Production of blood cells in red bone marrow. (Bone Function)

Energy storage

Storage of fat in yellow bone marrow.

Axial skeleton

Division of skeleton containing the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Skull, vertebral column, rib cage

What is contained in the Axial skeleton?

Appendicular skeleton

Division of skeleton containing limbs, pectoral girdle, and pelvic girdle.

Limbs, pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle

What is contained in the Appendicular skeleton?

Bone markings

Surface features of bones used for attachment, articulation, and passageways.

Process

Projection from bone used for muscle, tendon, or ligament attachment.

Spine

Sharp projection from bone used for muscle attachment.

Foramen

Opening in bone that allows nerves and blood vessels to pass through.

Articulation

Location where two bones meet to form a joint.

Fontanelles, unfused bones

What does an infant skull have that adult skull does not?

Wider pelvis, larger pelvic opening, lighter bones

What are some characteristics of the female skeleton?

Narrower pelvis, heavier bones, larger muscle attachment sites

What are some characteristics of the male skeleton?