Bones and Cartilages

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the classification and structure of bones and cartilages in human anatomy and physiology.

Spongy bone

A type of bone that has a porous, honeycomb structure, typically found at the ends of long bones and in the interior of others.

Compact bone

A dense, hard type of bone that forms the outer layer of bones, providing strength and support.

Medullary cavity

The central cavity of bone shafts where red and yellow bone marrow are stored.

Epiphyseal line

A line found in adults that indicates where the growth plate used to be; serves as a marker of bone growth.

Diaphysis

The long central shaft of a long bone.

Epiphysis

The end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft.

Metaphysis

The region of a long bone between the diaphysis and the epiphysis, where growth occurs.

Osteon

The basic structural unit of compact bone, consisting of a central canal surrounded by concentric lamellae.

Perforating fibers

Collagen fibers that anchor the periosteum to the underlying bone.

Lacuna

Small cavities in bone tissue that contain osteocytes.

Canaliculus

Microscopic canal that connects lacunae to each other and to larger canal.

Periosteum

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.

Epiphyseal plate

A hyaline cartilage plate in the metaphysis at each end of a long bone; the site of bone growth.

Circumferential lamellae

Layers of bone matrix that extend around the entire circumference of the bone.

Central canal

The small channel in the center of an osteon that contains blood vessels and nerves.

Interstital lamellae

Lamellae that fill the spaces between the osteons in compact bone.

Growth plate

Another term for the epiphyseal plate where new bone growth occurs.

Thoracic cage

The bony structure formed by the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae that protects the thoracic organs.

Vertebral column

The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the tailbone.

Pectoral girdle

The set of bones that connect the upper limb to the axial skeleton.

Pelvic girdle

The structure that connects the lower limb to the axial skeleton, consisting of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.