hormones

Growth hormone

Stimulates epiphyseal plate activity in infancy and childhood

Thyroid hormone

Modulates activity in the growth hormone

Developmental aspects in growth

Childhood - reabsorption and formation are normal

Adult - reabsorption dominates

Elderly - bone mass decreases along with blood supply

Articulation

Where two or more bones meet

Functions of joints

Give skeleton mobility and hold the skeleton together

Appositional growth

Outward expansion due to production of of cartilage matrix on the outer face of the tissue

Interstitial growth

Chondrocytes divide and secrete new matrix expanding cartilage from within

Aspects of aging with joints

Fibrous joints - can strengthen over

Symphisis joints - diminish flexibility and lose height

Synovial joints - lose elasticity

Testosterone and Estrogen

Promote adolescent growth spurts and can end growth by inducing epiphyseal plate closure