Lecture Notes on the Skeletal System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the skeletal system as presented in the lecture notes.

Skeletal System

The organ system consisting of bones, cartilage, and ligaments that supports and protects the body and its organs.

Bone Tissue

The primary structural material of the skeleton, providing strength and support.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including the joints, nose, and ears.

Hematopoiesis

The process of blood cell formation, occurring in the red bone marrow.

Intramembranous Ossification

A type of bone development where flat bones form between sheets of connective tissue.

Endochondral Ossification

A process in which bone develops by replacing hyaline cartilage, commonly seen in long bones.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that synthesize bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue, involved in bone resorption.

Compact Bone

Dense bone tissue that forms the outer layer of bones and is organized into osteons.

Spongy Bone

A type of bone tissue that is lighter and less dense than compact bone, consisting of a network of trabeculae.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the bones of the limbs and the shoulder and pelvic girdles.

Bone Marrow

The soft tissue in the cavities of bones, responsible for producing blood cells.

Trabeculae

The small, rod-like structures that make up spongy bone.

Periosteum

A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.

Epiphyseal Plate

A layer of cartilage that allows for the growth of long bones during childhood.

Foramen

An opening in a bone that allows the passage of blood vessels and nerves.