LAB 4 THE AXIAL SKELETON I BONE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture on the axial skeleton, focusing on bone structure and function.

Functions of the skeletal system

Support, movement, mineral storage, lipid storage, blood cell production.

Osteon

The functional unit of compact bone, composed of a central canal and concentric lamellae.

Central (Haversian) canal

Contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic tissue within an osteon.

Lacunae

Small cavities in bone that house osteocytes.

Canaliculi

Tiny channels that connect lacunae and allow for nutrient exchange between osteocytes.

Spongy bone

Type of bone that has a honeycomb structure, allowing it to be lighter while providing structural support.

Red bone marrow

The site of blood cell production found in certain bones, especially in the epiphyses of long bones.

Yellow bone marrow

Fatty tissue found in the medullary cavity of long bones, involved in lipid storage.

Cranial bones

Eight bones that form the protective cranial cavity for the brain.

Facial bones

Fourteen bones that form the structure of the face.

Axial skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebrae, sternum, ribs, and hyoid bone.

Appendicular skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, and limbs.

Foramen/foramina

Openings in bones that allow blood vessels and nerves to pass through.

Process

A projection or outgrowth of tissue from a larger body.

Condyle

A rounded surface at the end of a bone that articulates with another bone.

Sutures

Immobilized joints that hold the bones of the skull together.

Fontanels

Soft spots on the skull of a newborn, allowing for skull compression during birth and brain growth.

Paranasal sinuses

Air-filled spaces within certain skull bones that reduce weight and enhance voice resonance.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell that maintains the bone matrix.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that produce the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone-resorbing cells that break down bone tissue.

Vertebral column

The structure made up of individual vertebrae that supports the head and protects the spinal cord.