6. Skeletal system part 1

Skeletal system

The framework of bones and connective tissues that support the body and protect internal organs.

Connective tissue

Tissue that connects, supports, or separates different types of tissues and organs in the body.

Mesoderm

One of the three primary germ layers in the early embryo, from which the skeletal system is derived.

Mesenchymal cells

Cells that make up mesenchyme and serve as precursors to various types of connective tissue.

Intermembranous ossification

A process of bone formation where mesenchyme directly ossifies into bone, seen in the flat bones of the skull.

Fontanelle

Soft spots on an infant's skull where the bones have not fully formed, allowing for growth and flexibility.

Rib cage

The structure formed by the fused sternum and ribs.

Mesoderm

The layer of cells surrounding the neural tube in the developing embryo.

Limb buds

Projections of skin that create space for the development of the arms and legs.

Ossification

The process of cartilage turning into bone.

Locomotion

Another purpose of the skeletal system, which allows movement and interaction with the environment.

Structure

The underlying features of the skull and bones contribute to the structure of the face and body.

Hemopoiesis

The process of blood cell production, which occurs in the bone marrow.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage found in areas that require shock absorption, such as the intervertebral discs, meniscus of the knees, and pubic symphysis.

Elastic cartilage

The least abundant cartilage, found in the pinna of the ear and the epiglottis, which helps prevent food and water from entering the windpipe.

Endochondrial ossification

One of the two ways bone can form, where bone develops from a cartilage model.

Lacunae

Small spaces in cartilage where chondrocytes are located.

Chondrocytes

Cells found in cartilage that produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix.

Myatosis

Cell division process where one chondrocyte divides into two.

Undifferentiated stem cells

Cells in the perichondrium that have the potential to become chondrocytes.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage that grows in size as chondrocytes divide and produce new matrix.

Irregular bones

Bones with several projections, spines, and processes sticking out of them, such as the vertebrae and sacrum.

Short bones

Smaller bones that fill in gaps and spaces, such as the bones of the wrist (carpals) and ankle (tarsals).

Sesamoid bone

A unique type of bone found in a few distinct places, such as the kneecap (patella), formed due to friction between tendons and bone.

Diaphysis

The shaft of a long bone, making up the majority of its length.

Epiphysis

The head of a long bone, consisting of the proximal and distal epiphysis.

Yellow bone marrow

Fat-rich tissue stored in the medullary cavity of long bones.

Red bone marrow

Tissue stored within the spongy bone of the epiphysis, responsible for the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Spongy bone

A type of bone tissue that makes up the epiphysis or heads of bones and is good at withstanding shearing forces.

Shearing forces

Forces that come from the side and can cause damage to bones.

Periosteum

The outermost layer of all bones, consisting of a fibrous layer and a cellular layer, and helps to protect and nourish the bone.

Osteoclast

Bone cells that dissolve or break down bone tissue.