Chapter 7: Skeletal System Overview, Bone Structure, and Cartilage

Flashcards covering skeletal system components, bone tissue types, cartilage subtypes, connective tissue structures, bone organs, and general bone functions from Chapter 7.

What are the primary components that comprise the human skeletal system?

The skeletal system includes the bones of the skeleton, cartilage, ligaments, and other connective tissues that stabilize or connect the bones.

What are the two types of bone connective tissue found in most bones, and what proportion of total bone mass does each represent?

Compact bone (dense or cortical bone) makes up approximately 80% of total bone mass, while spongy bone (cancellous or trabecular bone) makes up approximately 20% of total bone mass.

What are the structural features and functions of hyaline cartilage within the skeletal system?

Hyaline cartilage attaches ribs to the sternum (costal cartilage), covers the ends of some bones (articular cartilage), forms growth plates (epiphyseal plates), and provides a model during development for the formation of the fetal skeleton.

What is fibrocartilage and where is it located in the skeletal system?

Fibrocartilage is a weight-bearing cartilage that withstands compression. It is located in the intervertebral discs, the pubic symphysis, and the cartilage pads of the knee joints (menisci).

How are ligaments and tendons defined in terms of tissue structure and function?

Ligaments are dense regular connective tissue that anchors bone to bone. Tendons are dense regular connective tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Why are individual bones, such as the femur or humerus, classified as organs?

Bones are classified as organs because they are composed of two or more tissues, primarily connective tissue (compact bone, spongy bone, dense irregular connective tissue, and reticular connective tissue) and nervous tissue.

What function does nervous tissue serve within a bone?

Nervous tissue detects and monitors sensory stimuli about the status of the bone, which accounts for the perception of pain when a bone breaks.

What are the four general functions performed by bones?

The general functions of bones are support and protection, levers for movement, hematopoiesis, and storage of mineral and energy reserves.

Which specific organs and body structures are protected by the rib cage, cranial bones, vertebrae, and pelvis?

The rib cage shields the heart and lungs; cranial bones enclose and protect the brain; vertebrae enclose the spinal cord; and the pelvis cradles urinary organs, reproductive organs, and the terminal end of the gastrointestinal tract.

How does the skeletal system interact with the muscular and nervous systems regarding calcium?

Both the muscular system and the nervous system require calcium to function properly, and the skeletal system stores a supply of calcium that can be tapped when blood calcium levels are low.