Human Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 06 - Bones and Skeletal Tissues

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts regarding bones and skeletal tissues in human anatomy and physiology.

Skeletal Cartilages

The types of cartilage in the human skeleton that provide support and flexibility, which is gradually replaced by bone.

Perichondrium

A layer of dense connective tissue surrounding cartilage that aids in resisting outward expansion and provides blood vessels for nutrient delivery.

Chondrocytes

Cells encased in small cavities within cartilage that maintain the cartilage matrix.

Hyaline cartilage

The most abundant type of cartilage that provides support and flexibility, and contains only collagen fibers.

Elastic cartilage

Similar to hyaline cartilage but contains elastic fibers; found in the external ear and the epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage

A type of cartilage with thick collagen fibers that has great tensile strength, found in areas like the menisci of the knee.

Ossification (osteogenesis)

The process of bone tissue formation that begins as the bony skeleton in early development.

Appositional growth

Growth in which cartilage-forming cells in the perichondrium secrete new matrix against the external face of existing cartilage.

Interstitial growth

Growth from within, occurring when chondrocytes divide and secrete new matrix, expanding cartilage.

Axial skeleton

Part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Appendicular skeleton

Part of the skeleton that consists of bones of the upper and lower limbs, including girdles.

Long bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide, such as those located in the limbs.

Short bones

Cube-shaped bones, and include sesamoid bones that form within tendons.

Flat bones

Thin and slightly curved bones, like the sternum, scapulae, and ribs.

Irregular bones

Bones with complicated shapes such as vertebrae and hip bones.

Compact bone

Dense outer layer of bone that appears smooth and solid.

Spongy bone

Bone that is made up of a honeycomb of small, needle-like pieces called trabeculae.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that secrete unmineralized bone matrix (osteoid) and are actively mitotic.

Osteoclasts

Giant, multinucleate cells that function in bone resorption, breaking down bone material.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells located in lacunae that maintain the bone matrix.

Bone remodeling

A process involving the continual replacement or renewal of bone tissue throughout life.

Calcium homeostasis

The regulation of calcium levels in the blood, influencing bone remodeling, muscle contractions, and nerve functions.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation that occurs in the red marrow cavities of certain bones.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, making bones weak and more susceptible to fractures.