BIOL-231: Unit 2 Study Guide

Skeletal system: Structure and Function

• List the functions of the skeletal system and explain how different types of skeletal tissues carry out these functions

• Explain the relationship between cartilage and bone and identify the functions and examples of locations for the three different types of cartilage

• Compare and contrast the 2 types of bone tissue—compact and spongy bone

• Describe the structure and function (and provide examples of) the 4 bone classifications

• Describe the two main anatomical regions of long bones and the distinct cellular layers that make up each

• Compare and contrast osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts

• Describe the components of an osteon

• Describe the process of bone remodeling and how it can be disrupted in pathological states

• Define and compare and contrast the following metabolic bone disorders: osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, and Paget’s disease of bone (see Lecture 5), identifying the major at-risk population for each

Skeletal Growth, Remodeling, and Repair

• Compare and contrast the steps involved and the type of bone resulting from intramembranous and endochondrial ossification

• Describe growth at epiphyseal plates and distinguish between zones at the epiphyseal or growth plate

• Describe the steps involved in the bone remodeling cycle 

• Compare and contrast the actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in bone remodeling

• Describe the matrix mineralization process and the importance of maintaining Ca²⁺ homeostasis

• Explain how parathyroid hormone and calcitonin regulate bone remodeling and Ca²⁺

• Describe the role of calcitriol in raising blood Ca²⁺ levels

• Define and explain the causes and consequences of hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism.

• Explain how estrogen affects specific bone cells and its relationship to osteoporosis (see also Lecture 4)

• Explain the role of growth hormone and thyroid hormone in the regulation of bone growth.

• Identify the location and function of bone marrow across the lifespan and the distinctions and location of red, yellow and gelatinous marrow

• Compare and contrast fracture types, and describe the steps involved in their repair

• Identify and give examples of complications of fracture repair including osteomyelitis, alteration in bone union, fat embolism, nerve damage and compartment syndrome 

Joints

• Describe and give an example of each of the three common fibrous joint types

• Describe and give an example of each of the two common cartilaginous joint types

• Distinguish between synarthroses, amphiarthroses, and diarthroses

• Define synostoses and describe their formation and give an example of a bony joint

• Describe the structural characteristics of synovial joints (including their distinguishing characteristics and associated structures)

• Describe the composition of the synovial membrane and characteristics of the subintima and intima layers

• Define the characteristics and function of fatty pads, articular discs (menisci), bursae and tendon sheaths

• List three factors that determine the range of motion of synovial joints

• Distinguish and give an example of nonaxial, uniaxial, biaxial, and multiaxial joints and the movements produced by each type of joint 

• Define hypermobility and causes of hypermobility of joints.

• Recognize common body movements, including special movements, and indicate the structures of synovial joints that can produce such movements

• Define the six types of synovial joints, their movement, and examples of each joint. 

• Explain the tradeoff between joint mobility and strength

• Compare and contrast how 3 example synovial joints (shoulder, hip, and knee) are stabilized by ligaments and cartilage

• Explain what happens when you “blow out” your knee (ACL tears) and ligament repair strategies

• Compare and contrast osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

• Define arthroplasty and application for joint replacement