The Skeletal System

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts and vocabulary related to the skeletal system, including its structure, function, and common conditions.

Skeletal System Functions

1. Support, 2. Storage of minerals and lipids, 3. Blood Cell Production, 4. Protection, 5. Leverage.

Osseous Tissue

The hard tissue that forms bones, composed of bone cells (osteocytes) and extracellular matrix.

Osteoblasts

Cells that produce new bone matrix, making and releasing components of the bone matrix.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells responsible for maintaining the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that absorb and remove bone matrix.

Compact Bone

Dense bone that is organized into structural units called osteons.

Spongy Bone

Less dense bone containing trabecular structures, providing support and housing bone marrow.

Endochondral Ossification

Process where bone tissue replaces hyaline cartilage models, typical in the formation of long bones.

Intramembranous Ossification

Process where bone develops directly from mesenchymal tissue without a cartilage stage.

Fracture Hematoma

A large blood clot that forms at the site of a fracture, initiating the healing process.

Synovial Joint

A freely movable joint characterized by a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid.

Articular Cartilage

Smooth cartilage covering the articulating surfaces of bones in synovial joints, reducing friction.

Joint Capsule

A two-layered structure surrounding synovial joints, composed of an outer fibrous layer and an inner synovial membrane.

Meniscus

A fibrocartilaginous pad located between opposing bones in a synovial joint for shock absorption and stability.

Ligaments

Dense connective tissues that connect bones to other bones, providing stability to joints.

Tendon

A fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to bones.

Bursa

A small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between moving parts in joints.

Osteopenia

A condition characterized by lower than normal bone density, often seen with aging.

Osteoporosis

A disease resulting in reduced bone mass and increased fragility, raising the risk of fractures.

Rheumatism

General term for pain and stiffness affecting the musculoskeletal system, including joints.

Arthritis

Inflammation of joints encompassing various rheumatic diseases that affect synovial joints.

Fracture Types

Classified by: 1. Position of bone ends (displaced/nondisplaced), 2. Completeness of break (complete/incomplete), 3. Orientation of break (linear/transverse), 4. Penetration through skin (open/closed).

Coxal Bones

The hip bones, each formed by the fusion of ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Acetabulum

The cup-shaped socket in the coxal bone that articulates with the head of the femur.

Pelvic Inlet

The upper opening of the true pelvis; the boundary between the false pelvis and the true pelvis.