Chapter 7 Skeletal System: Bone Growth, Remodeling & Calcium Homeostasis Study Guide | Quizlet

Skeletal System Components

Comprises bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

Bones

Provide structural support, protect organs, store minerals, house hematopoietic tissue, and act as levers.

Cartilage

Provides smooth, low-friction surfaces at joints and absorbs shock.

Ligaments

Connect bone to bone, maintaining joint congruence.

Tendons

Attach muscles to bone, translating muscular contraction into movement.

Epiphysis

The expanded ends of long bones, consisting of compact and spongy bone.

Diaphysis

The elongated shaft of a long bone, primarily made of dense compact bone.

Medullary Cavity

Central hollow chamber in the diaphysis containing bone marrow.

Trabeculae

Lattice-like network within spongy bone that disperses stress.

Epiphyseal Plate

Hyaline cartilage plate in growing children that drives longitudinal bone growth.

Long Bones

Bones longer than wide, with a diaphysis and epiphyses, e.g., humerus.

Short Bones

Cube-shaped bones that provide joint stability, e.g., wrist bones.

Flat Bones

Thin, flattened bones designed for protection and muscle attachment, e.g., sternum.

Irregular Bones

Complex shapes accommodating specialized functions, e.g., vertebrae.

Red Bone Marrow

Primary hematopoietic tissue that generates blood cells.

Yellow Bone Marrow

Contains adipocytes and serves as an energy reserve.

Periosteum

Double-layered membrane covering bone, involved in nutrition and growth.

Endosteum

Membrane lining internal bone cavities, involved in remodeling.

Osteon

Fundamental structural unit of compact bone.

Osteogenic Cells

Stem cells that differentiate into osteoblasts.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that synthesize the bone matrix.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue during resorption.

Calcium Functions

Vital for muscle contraction, nerve function, cell signaling, and blood coagulation.

Hypocalcemia Effects

Can lead to bone resorption driven by parathyroid hormone release.

Endochondral Ossification

Bone formation from a hyaline cartilage template.

Intramembranous Ossification

Direct formation of bone from mesenchymal membranes.

Wolff's Law

Bone adapts its structure based on mechanical loading.

Growth Hormone Role

Stimulates growth plate chondrocyte proliferation.

Vitamin D Role

Enhances intestinal calcium absorption and regulates calcium levels.

Osteoporosis

Bone disorder characterized by decreased density due to increased resorption.

Rickets

Disease caused by vitamin D deficiency leading to bone malformation.

Scurvy

Condition caused by vitamin C deficiency affecting collagen synthesis.