HOSA Vet - Chapters 3 & 4 1/2

What are the main functions of the musculoskeletal system?

Structure, leverage, protection, mineral reserves, blood cell production.

Cortical bone

The outer layer of dense, compact bone.

Spongy bone

Found within long bones; made of tiny spicules to maximize strength and keep bones light.

Medullary cavity

The hollow center of the bone.

Bone marrow

Lies within the medullary cavity and produces blood cells.

Periosteum

Outer layer of connective tissue that blends bones into other muscles and bones.

What are the three types of bone cells?

Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells that lay down collagen matrix and are important for healing fractures.

Osteocytes

Mature osteoblasts responsible for maintaining the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Large cells that release minerals from the bone.

What is osteoporosis?

A condition where bones lose their normal density and mass.

Fibrous joints

Joints that allow little movement and are connected by dense connective tissue.

Cartilage joints

Joints where bones are connected via cartilage, such as growth plates.

Synovial joints

True, movable joints lined with a membrane producing synovial fluid for lubrication.

What are tendons and ligaments?

Tendons connect muscle to bone, while ligaments connect bone to bone.

Meniscus

A hard cartilage pad that acts as a cushion between the bone ends.

What is flexion?

The reduction of the angle between two bones.

What is extension?

The increase of the angle between two bones.

Types of vertebrae in the axial skeleton

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal vertebrae.

What bones are part of the appendicular skeleton?

Forelimbs and hind limbs, including the scapula, humerus, femur, and tibia.

Scapula

The bone that lies flat against the ribcage and connects with muscles for flexibility.

Femur

The upper part of the hind limb, comparable to the humerus in the forelimb.

What is ossification?

The process where cartilage is replaced with bone.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry oxygen and are produced in the bone marrow.

What is the main function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

To carry oxygen; it can bind up to four oxygen molecules.

Carbon monoxide

A toxic substance that prevents hemoglobin from delivering oxygen to tissues.

What is the role of albumin in blood plasma?

It maintains water in the bloodstream.

Fibrinogen

A protein that aids in clotting blood by forming fibrous threads.