Skeletal System: Functions, Bone Classifications, Anatomy, and Disorders

What is one of the primary functions of the skeletal system?

Support, as it provides framework for the body and supports soft tissues.

What protects vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs in the skeletal system?

The skeletal system provides protection; for example, the skull protects the brain and the rib cage protects the heart and lungs.

How do muscles interact with the skeletal system to facilitate movement?

Muscles attach to bones, and osteons and joints act as levers to allow locomotion.

What minerals does the skeletal system serve to store?

The skeletal system serves as a reservoir for minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus.

What is hematopoiesis?

The process of blood cell production, primarily occurring in red bone marrow.

Where is triglyceride stored in the skeletal system?

In yellow bone marrow, which stores fats in adipose tissue.

What hormone do osteoblasts release, and what does it influence?

Osteocalcin, which influences glucose metabolism and fat storage.

What type of bone is longer than it is wide and has a shaft and ends?

Long bones, such as the femur and humerus.

What is the primary function of short bones?

Give stability and support while allowing for some motion; examples include carpals and tarsals.

Which type of bones are characterized by being thin and flattened?

Flat bones, such as cranial bones, sternum, ribs, and scapulae.

What are irregular bones?

Bones with complex shapes that do not fit into the other classifications, such as vertebrae.

What is the epiphysis of a long bone?

The expanded ends of the bone that articulate with other bones.

What covers the joint surfaces of bones to reduce friction?

Articular cartilage, which is hyaline cartilage.

What is the epiphyseal plate?

The growth plate in children that becomes the epiphyseal line after growth ends.

What is the metaphysis?

The narrow portion between the epiphysis and diaphysis that contains the epiphyseal plate in children.

What is the diaphysis?

The shaft of the long bone; a hollow, cylindrical region containing the medullary cavity.

What is contained within the medullary cavity of long bones?

Yellow marrow in adults and red marrow in certain bones of children.

What type of bone tissue is dense and organized into osteons?

Compact (cortical) bone.

What are osteoblasts responsible for?

Building bone and synthesizing the organic components of the bone matrix.

What do osteocytes do?

They are mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix.

What is the role of osteoclasts?

To break down bone (resorption) to release minerals and remodel bone.

What do lamellae refer to in bone structure?

Concentric rings of mineralized matrix in osteons.

What does the Haversian (central) canal contain?

Blood vessels and nerves.

What is the axial skeleton comprised of?

The skull, hyoid bone, auditory ossicles, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.

What bones make up the appendicular skeleton?

The girdles and limbs, including the pectoral girdles and lower and upper limbs.

What is a simple (closed) fracture?

A bone crack or break that does not penetrate the skin.

What characterizes a compound (open) fracture?

A break that penetrates the skin, posing a higher risk of infection.

What is a comminuted fracture?

A fracture where the bone is broken into several small fragments.

How does a greenstick fracture present?

An incomplete break common in children where one side is bent and the other is broken.

What is osteoporosis?

A condition characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in increased fracture risk.

What are common risk factors for osteoporosis?

Aging, postmenopausal status in women, low body weight, inactivity, calcium/vitamin D deficiency, smoking, certain medications.

What are some symptoms of osteoporosis?

Fragile bones, fractures with minimal trauma, back pain from vertebral compression, loss of height.

How can osteoporosis be managed or prevented?

Through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, lifestyle changes, and medications.

What is scoliosis?

An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often accompanied by vertebral rotation.

What are common symptoms of scoliosis?

Uneven shoulders or hips, rib prominence, and imbalance when bending forward.

What is osteoarthritis?

A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage and changes in underlying bone.

What are symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Joint pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and swelling.

What is a common management strategy for osteoarthritis?

Pain relief, physical therapy, weight management, and sometimes joint replacement.

Which type of bone is primarily about as wide as it is long?

Short bones, such as carpals and tarsals.

What type of bone is the patella classified as?

Sesamoid bone, which is embedded within tendons.

What do proteoglycans and glycoproteins contribute to in the bone matrix?

They form the organic components that contribute to the overall structure and function of bone.