Bone Anatomy and Physiology

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the anatomy and physiology of bones.

Long Bones

Bones that are greater in length than width, such as the femur.

Short Bones

Bones that are nearly equal in length and width, like tarsal bones.

Flat Bones

Bones with thin surfaces, for example, the frontal bone.

Irregular Bones

Bones with complex shapes, such as vertebrae.

Diaphysis

The elongated, cylindrical shaft of a long bone.

Epiphysis

The knobby, enlarged regions at each end of a long bone, strengthening joints and providing sites for tendon and ligament attachment.

Metaphysis

The region between diaphysis and epiphysis that contains the epiphyseal (growth) plate.

Articular Cartilage

A thin layer of hyaline cartilage covering the epiphysis that reduces friction and absorbs shock in movable joints.

Medullary Cavity

A hollow cylindrical space in the diaphysis that contains yellow bone marrow in adults.

Endosteum

The tissue that covers most internal surfaces of bones, containing osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts.

Periosteum

A dense irregular connective tissue covering the external surfaces of bones, except articular cartilage, that anchors blood vessels and nerves.

Osteoclast

A cell that breaks down bone tissue.

Osteoblast

A cell that is involved in the formation of bone.

Osteoprogenitor Cell

A stem cell that can differentiate into osteoblasts.

Foramen

An opening in a bone through which blood vessels and nerves pass.

Nutrient Artery and Vein

Blood vessels that supply the diaphysis of a long bone.

Circumferential Lamellae

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