Cartilage, Bone Histology, and Skull Anatomy

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Lab $$03$$: Cartilage types, Bone Histology, Axial and Appendicular divisions, Bone Surface Markings, and Skull Anatomy.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage with a glossy, bluish-white appearance containing moderate collagen fibers; it provides support and resilience in the respiratory tract and embryonic skeleton.

Elastic cartilage

Yellowish, opaque cartilage with a high density of elastic fibers; it provides strength while maintaining shape in structures like the external ear (auricle) and epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage

A strong, durable cartilage with a dense network of collagen fibers that acts as a shock absorber in intervertebral discs and the menisci of the knee.

Osteon (haversian system)

The basic structural unit of bone consisting of a central canal and all the concentric lamellae.

Central canal (haversian canal)

A passage running parallel to the long axis of the bone that carries blood, nerves, and lymph vessels.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells characterized by a spider-like appearance.

Lacunae

Chambers in bone histology that house osteocytes.

Lamella

Concentric circles surrounding the central canal that house lacuna and osteocytes.

Canaliculi

Tiny canals radiating outward from the central canal to the lacunae, connecting bone cells to the nutrient supply.

Axial Division

Skeletal bones lying on the longitudinal axis, including the skull, hyoid, vertebrae, ribs, sternum, and auditory ossicles.

Appendicular Division

Bones of the limbs (appendices) including the pectoral and pelvic girdles and the upper and lower limbs.

Compact Bone

Bone tissue that forms the hard exterior of bones.

Spongy Bone

Bone tissue that fills the interior of most bones and houses the bone marrow.

Canal

A bone surface marking described as a narrow tube.

Fissure

A cleft-like opening in a bone housing vessels and nerves.

Fontanel

Connective tissue (soft spots) found between the skull bones of infants.

Sulcus

A furrow or depression on the surface of a bone.

Meatus

A tube-like passageway through a bone.

Condyle

A large, rounded, articular prominence on a bone.

Head

A rounded articular portion of a bone supported by a neck.

Crest

A prominent ridge or border located on a bone.

Epicondyle

A prominence located above a condyle.

Tuberosity

A large, rounded, rough process on a bone surface.

Trochanter

A massive process found only on the femur.

Fossa

A flattened or shallow surface on a bone.

Coronal suture

The joint located between the frontal and parietal bones.

Sagittal suture

The joint located between the two parietal bones.

Lambdoid suture

The joint located between the parietal and occipital bones; noted by the symbol $\lambda$.

Squamous suture

The joint located between the parietal and temporal bones.

Diploe

The layer of spongy bone found within the skull.

Foramen magnum

A large opening in the base of the occipital bone of the skull.

Sella turcica

A feature of the sphenoid bone visible on the superior view of the cranial floor.

Cribriform plate

Part of the ethmoid bone containing cribriform foramina, located in the upper skull.