Osteology and Bone Tissue

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to osteology and the skeletal system.

Osteology

The study of bones.

Hematopoiesis

The process of making formed elements occurs in red bone marrow.

Osteogenic Cell

Unipotent stem cell that is the only bone cell that divides.

Osteoblasts

Immature bone cells that secrete the bone matrix and help in bone formation.

Osteocyte

Mature bone cell located in a lacuna that maintains the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone-resorbing cells that break down the bone matrix.

Hydroxyapatite

A crystallized inorganic mineral salt that is primarily responsible for bone hardness.

Endochondral Ossification

Bone formation that occurs within a hyaline cartilage model.

Intramembranous Ossification

Bone formation that occurs within fibrous connective tissue.

Compact Bone

The denser, stronger type of bone that forms the outer layer of the bone.

Cancellous Bone

Also known as spongy bone; contains no osteons and is found at the ends of long bones.

Epiphyseal Plate

The growth plate responsible for bone elongation in children and adolescents.

Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that decreases blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that increases calcium levels in the blood.

Bone Remodeling

The ongoing replacement of old bone tissue by new bone tissue.

Lacuna

Small spaces in the bone matrix that house osteocytes.

Periosteum

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

Bone Marrow

A soft tissue that produces blood cells; can be red (active) or yellow (fat storage).

Mineral Storage

Bones store minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Skeletal System Functions

Includes structure/support, movement, protection, mineral storage, lipid storage, and hematopoiesis.

Osteogenesis

The process of bone formation.

Diaphysis

The long shaft of a long bone.

Epiphysis

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

Metaphysis

The transition area between the diaphysis and epiphysis.

Articular Cartilage

Smooth tissue at the ends of bones, facilitating movement at joints.