The Skeletal System: Osseous Tissue and Skeletal Structure

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering bone tissue anatomy, cell types, structural features, bone markings, and fracture classifications based on the chapter notes.

Osseous tissue

The major component of the skeletal system; a supporting connective tissue consisting of specialized cells and a solid matrix containing calcium salts.

Hydroxyapatite crystals

Crystals formed from calcium phosphate that make up two-thirds of the bone matrix and are highly resistant to compression.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue.

Osteoblasts

Immature, active cells found on inner and outer surfaces of bones that produce osteoid during bone formation.

Osteogenesis

The process of making new bone matrix.

Osteoprogenitor cells

Stem cells located on the inner and outer surfaces of bones that divide and differentiate to produce new osteoblasts.

Osteoclasts

Giant multinucleated cells that perform osteolysis, dissolving bone matrix using acids and enzymes.

Osteon

The basic functional unit of compact bone.

Spongy bone

Bone tissue structured as an open network of struts and plates called trabeculae.

Diaphysis

The shaft portion of a long bone.

Epiphyses

The expanded ends of a long bone.

Metaphysis

The connecting region located between the epiphysis and diaphysis of a bone.

Periosteum

An outer connective tissue covering of bone, continuous with deep fascia, that isolates bone, provides attachment for blood vessels and nerves, and participates in growth and repair.

Endosteum

An incomplete cellular lining on the inner surfaces of bone containing osteoblasts, osteoprogenitor cells, and osteoclasts.

Ossification

The process of bone replacing existing tissue.

Calcification

The process of depositing calcium salts into tissues.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone that increases overall availability of calcium ions in the blood by directly increasing osteoclast activity.

Calcitonin

A hormone that acts as the direct antagonist of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Process

Any projection or bump on a bone.

Ramus

An extension of a bone making an angle to the rest of the structure.

Trochanter

A large, rough projection on a bone formed where tendons or ligaments attach.

Tuberosity

A rough projection on a bone surface.

Tubercle

A small, rounded projection on a bone.

Crest

A prominent ridge on a bone.

Line

A low ridge on a bone.

Spine

A pointed process on a bone.

Head

The expanded articular end of an epiphysis, often separated from the shaft by a narrower neck.

Neck

A narrower connection between the epiphysis and diaphysis.

Condyle

A smooth, rounded articular process on a bone.

Trochlea

A smooth, grooved articular process shaped like a pulley.

Facet

A small, flat articular surface.

Fossa

A shallow depression in a bone.

Sulcus

A narrow groove in a bone.

Foramen

A rounded passageway through bone for blood vessels and/or nerves.

Fissure

An elongated cleft in a bone.

Meatus or canal

A passageway through the substance of a bone.

Sinus or antrum

A chamber within a bone, normally filled with air.

Pott's fracture

A fracture occurring at the ankle that affects both the tibia and the fibula.

Comminuted fracture

A fracture that shatters the affected area into a multitude of bony fragments.

Transverse fracture

A fracture that breaks a bone across its long axis.

Spiral fracture

A fracture produced by twisting stresses that spread along the length of the bone.

Colles' fracture

A break in the distal portion of the radius, typically resulting from reaching out to cushion a fall.

Greenstick fracture

A fracture in which only one side of the shaft is broken while the other is bent, typically occurring in children.

Epiphyseal fracture

A fracture occurring where the bone matrix is undergoing calcification and chondrocytes are dying.

Compression fracture

A fracture occurring in vertebrae subjected to extreme stresses, commonly associated with osteoporosis.