Bone Cells and Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts related to bone cells, their functions, and the structure of bones as discussed in the lecture.

What are osteoblasts?

Bone-building cells that synthesize collagen and initiate calcification.

What are osteocytes?

Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix and do not divide.

What is the function of osteoclasts?

Cells that release lysosomal enzymes and acids to digest the underlying bone matrix.

Where are osteoprogenitor cells found?

In the periosteum and endosteum; they have the ability to divide into osteoblasts.

What is the periosteum?

A membrane covering the external surface of the bone made of dense connective tissue.

What is the difference between compact bone and spongy bone?

Compact bone makes up 80% of the bone in the body and is dense, while spongy bone is lighter and contains many spaces.

What is the diaphysis?

The shaft of a long bone.

What does the term 'ossification' refer to?

The process of bone formation, including both intramembranous and endochondral ossification.

What are the zones of the epiphyseal plate involved in bone growth?

Zone of resting cartilage, zone of proliferating cartilage, zone of hypertrophic cartilage, and zone of calcified cartilage.

What is Wolff's law?

The principle that bone adapts to the loads it bears, becoming stronger with use and weaker with disuse.