SEHS B1.2 - Connective Tissues and Joints

What is Connective Tissue?

One of the most abundant types of tissue in the body. They protect vital organs, permit movement and store energy (fats).

Long Bone

A type of bone which is longer than it is wide. Is the most important bone for movement, and includes the femur and clavicle.

Short Bone

A cube-shaped bones. Usually articulates with more than one bone. Include the carpals and tarsals.

Flat Bone

A type of bone with a curved surface, and varies from being thick/thin. It provides protection and its surface area aids with muscle attachment. Includes the scapula, sternum, pelvis and ribs.

Irregular Bone

A type of bone with an irregular, yet specialized shape for specialized functions. Includes the coccyx, vertebrae and sacrum

How do Bones aid in mineral homeostasis?

By storing minerals like calcium and phosphorus in its tissue, and later sending these minerals to the rest of the body by releasing them into the blood when needed.

How do Bones aid in Blood Cell Production?

Certain bones (sternum, femur) have red bone marrow, which produces red blood cells

How do Bones aid in Energy Storage?

Via yellow bone marrow, which stores triglycerides that can be used as energy when needed.

What is the bone made of?

A matrix of collagen (protein) fibers and calcium phosphate (a mineral salt). When the calcium phosphate mixes between and around the collagen fibers, it crystallizes and the tissue hardens, providing high tensile strength.

What is the midsection of a long bone, and what is its composition?

The diaphysis. It provides support and protection. It is made of compact bone.

What are the ends of a long bone, what are their composition and what is stored their?

The ends of a long bone are called the proximal/distal epiphysis. They are made of cancellous (spongy) bone, a lattice with many spaces similar to that of a honeycomb. They store red bone marrow.

What bone layer is at the ends of a long bone and what does it help with?

A thin layer of articular cartilage, helps reduce friction between bones and and absorb shock.

What bone layer covers the midsection of a long bone and what does it help with?

Periosteum. It helps with bone growth, repair, nutrition, attachment and protection

Where is yellow bone marrow stored?

In the medullary cavity, which is a space found in the diaphysis.

How do blood vessels interact with yellow bone marrow?

Via the nutrient foramen, an opening in the medullary cavity, allowing blood to drop off nutrients to the bone marrow and compact bone.

What type of tissue is bone?

A dynamic tissue, meaning it changes and responds according to activity levels, growing and shrinking in mass.

What is Wolff´s Law?

It states that bones adapt to the stress put on them by becoming stronger when regularly loaded, along with the opposite if not regularly loaded.

What is a joint?

Where two or more bones meet. Crucial for mobility

What are Characteristics of Fibrous Joints?

thin layer of fibrous tissue - prevent movement.

What are Characteristics of Cartilaginous Joints?

limit movement

What are Characteristics of Synovial Joints?

Most common joints, allow full mobility. Come in six types.

What are Gliding Joints?

A type of synovial joint: connect bones with flat surfaces, allow gliding back and forth

What are Hinge Joints?

A type of synovial joint: allow flexion/extension in one direction. Ex: elbow joint

What are Pivot Joints?

A type of synovial joint: allow rotation. One ring-shaped bone connects to another, allowing it to roll. Ex: radioulnar joint

What are condyloid joints?

A type of synovial joint: allow movement in 2 directions. Egg-shaped convex surface fits into a concave surface.

What are saddle joints?

A type of synovial joint: connects bones shaped like a saddle and a rider on the saddle. move side-side and up-down.

What are ball and socket joints?

A type of synovial joint: Can move in all directions. Formed when sphere-shaped bone fits into a cavity in another bone. Ex: shoulder joint.

What is the articular capsule, and how does it help with movement?

It is a structure which surrounds synovial joints. Lined with a synovial fluid that lubricates the joint cavity, reducing friction.

What is a ligament?

Strong yet flexible tissues that connect bone-to-bone. They pass over joints.

What do ligaments help with?

Restrain joint movement past intended limits.

What are the dangers of ligament tears?

Can take a long time to heal, leading to lack of stability for joints.

What is cartilage?

A strong, fibrous tissue made of collagen. Helps reduce friction and absorb shock between joints.

Why does cartilage heal slowly?

Because it has no blood supply.

What is fascia?

A connective network of tissues found in and between muscles and bones around the body.

Why is epimysium fascia?

The outer layer of fascia on muscles

What is perimysium fascia?

Surrounds bundles of muscle

What is endmysium fascia?

Surrounds individual muscle fibers.

What are tendons.

Strong networks of fibrous tissue which connect muscle to bone. Help transmit energy from muscle to bone.

Why distinguishes between synovial, cartilaginous and fibrous joints?

Synovial joints are the only joints with a joint cavity (a gap between bones).