Chapter 6: The Skeletal System

What is bone tissue also known as?

Osseous tissue.

What are the main functions of the skeletal system?

Supports the body, facilitates movement, protects internal organs, produces blood cells, stores and releases minerals and fat.

What is the role of cartilage in the skeletal system?

Provides flexibility and smooth surfaces for movement.

What type of doctor specializes in the musculoskeletal system?

Orthopedist.

What is hematopoiesis?

The production of blood cells, which occurs in red marrow.

What are the two types of bone marrow?

Yellow marrow and red marrow.

Where are long bones typically found?

In the arms (humerus) and legs (femur), as well as in fingers and toes.

What shape do short bones resemble?

Cube-like.

What is the primary characteristic of flat bones?

Typically thin and often curved.

Which bones are classified as irregular bones?

Bones that do not have easily characterized shapes, such as vertebrae and many facial bones.

What is the function of sesamoid bones?

To protect tendons from compressive forces.

What are examples of long bones?

Femur, humerus, ulna, radius.

What is the medullary cavity filled with?

Yellow marrow.

What is the periosteum?

The fibrous membrane covering the outer surface of the bone.

Which bone cells are responsible for forming new bone?

Osteoblasts.

What type of bone tissue is dense and hard?

Compact bone.

What does spongy bone contain?

Trabeculae and red marrow.

What is osteoporosis?

A disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass.

What is Paget’s disease?

A bone disorder characterized by overactive osteoclasts leading to weak and brittle bone.

What dietary component is essential for calcium absorption?

Vitamin D.

What is the primary role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in bone health?

Stimulates osteoclasts to resorb bone and release calcium into the bloodstream.

What is the primary tissue in bones that provides structure and strength?

Bone matrix.

Why is vitamin K important for bone health?

It supports bone mineralization.

What indicates a fracture type being open or closed?

Whether the broken bone tears through the skin.

What is the process called when a bone heals after a fracture?

Bone repair.

What triggers the formation of a callus after a fracture?

The disruption of blood flow and formation of a hematoma.

What is the epiphyseal plate responsible for?

Longitudinal growth of bones.

How does resistance training affect bones?

Stimulates deposition of new bone tissue, increasing bone density.

What happens to the epiphyseal plate as a person reaches adulthood?

It is replaced by the epiphyseal line, stopping growth in length.

What role do osteocytes play in bone health?

They maintain mineral concentration of the bone matrix.

What is one effect of aging on the skeletal system?

Increased risk of osteoporosis.

How does calcitonin affect calcium levels in the blood?

It reduces calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

What is the primary structural protein found in bone matrix?

Collagen.

What is the role of organic components in bone tissue?

They provide flexibility and tensile strength.

What are the two main types of bone tissue found in the skeleton?

Compact bone and spongy bone.

What is the primary mechanism of bone remodeling?

Balance between osteoblast and osteoclast activity.

How does aging affect mineral content in bones?

Mineral content typically decreases, leading to more fragile bones.

What is the purpose of bone markers in clinical settings?

To assess bone formation and resorption rates.

What effect does estrogen have on bone density?

Estrogen helps maintain bone density by inhibiting bone resorption.

What is the role of growth hormone in bone development?

Stimulates growth and increases bone density.

What are the major minerals stored in bone?

Calcium and phosphorus.

How do fractures heal in different stages?

Inflammatory phase, reparative phase, and remodeling phase.

What is the role of osteoclasts in bone health?

Osteoclasts break down bone tissue, facilitating bone resorption.

How do mechanical forces affect bone density?

Mechanical forces lead to increased bone density through stimulation of bone formation.

What is the function of vitamin A in bone health?

Vitamin A aids in the growth and remodeling of bone tissue.

What can excessive alcohol consumption lead to in terms of bone health?

It can contribute to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures.

How does fluorine affect bone health?

Fluorine can strengthen bones but excessive amounts can lead to bone weakness or deformities.

What is the significance of collagen in bone tissue?

Collagen provides the framework for the bone matrix and contributes to its tensile strength.

What lifestyle changes can enhance bone health?

Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding smoking.

How does the presence of estrogen influence bone remodeling?

Estrogen inhibits osteoclast activity, reducing bone resorption.

What are the three major components of bone tissue?

Organic matrix, inorganic matrix, and water.

What is the effect of sedentary lifestyle on bones?

It can lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis.

What type of exercise is most beneficial for bone health?

Weight-bearing exercise.

What is the impact of menopause on bone health?

Menopause leads to a significant drop in estrogen levels, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

What role does parathyroid hormone play in calcium homeostasis?

It raises blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption.

What are bone spurs and their implication for bone health?

Bone spurs are bony projections that develop along joints, often causing pain and limited mobility.

What is the primary reason for performing a bone density scan?

To assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

What is the difference between primary and secondary osteoporosis?

Primary osteoporosis occurs without an underlying condition, while secondary osteoporosis results from a disease or medication.

How does physical therapy aid in bone health recovery?

Physical therapy helps improve strength, coordination, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

What role does magnesium play in bone health?

Magnesium contributes to bone structure and the regulation of calcium levels.

How does weight gain affect bone density?

Increased weight can lead to higher bone density due to increased mechanical loading.

What nutritional deficiency can lead to rickets?

Vitamin D deficiency.

What is the relationship between thyroid hormone and bone health?

Thyroid hormone regulates bone metabolism; excess can lead to bone loss.

What clinical test often indicates bone health issues?

Bone mineral density (BMD) test.

How does sunlight exposure benefit bone health?

It promotes the synthesis of vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption.

What is the purpose of bisphosphonates in bone health?

They are medications that prevent bone loss and treat osteoporosis.

What type of bone disease is associated with excessive bone remodeling?

Paget’s disease.