Concept 1: Skeletal System

hematopoiesis

formation of red blood cells

cartilage

flexible connective tissue (supports, cushions, and protects internal organs from the external environment)

ligament

short bands of tough and flexible dense connective tissue, connect two bones together, stabilize joints

tendon

chords of dense connective tissue, connect muscle to bone

joint (articulation)

junction between two or more bones, include tendons, ligaments, and cartilage in order to aid in body movement/flexibility

intervertebral discs

located between each vertebra, filled with a gelatinous substance (nucleus pulposus) that cushions the spinal column (protects against tension and absorbs shock), allow for flexibility and movement

sutures

fibrous bands of tissue that connect the bones of the skull

sesamoid bones

special type of short bone, looks like a sesame seed, embedded w/ tendons (patella)

osteon

basic structural unit of bone; long cylinders, act as tiny weight-bearing pillars in the bone

lamellae

make up osteons; groups of hollow tubes filled w/ salts and collagen fibers, allow the bone to resist torsion/stress

central canal

runs through middle of osteon, contains small blood vessels (nourishment) and nerve fibers (signaling)

trabeculae

make up spongy bone; tiny bone struts, key for helping bone resist stress, holds bone marrow