Skeletal System Lab Notes

Introduction to the Skeletal System

Learning Outcomes

After completing all lab activities, students will be able to:

1. Chemical Composition of Bone Tissue:

   • Identify the expected chemical composition of healthy adult bone tissue.
   • Key chemical components include calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite), which provides rigidity and strength to bones.

2. Classification of Bones:

   • Use the general characteristics of a bone to classify it into its correct grouping:
     • Long Bones: Longer than they are wide (e.g., femur)
     • Short Bones: Approximately as wide as they are long (e.g., carpals)
     • Flat Bones: Thin, flattened shape (e.g., skull, sternum)
     • Irregular Bones: Complex shapes (e.g., vertebrae)

3. Surface Bone Markings:

   • Identify surface bone markings and describe their functions. These may include:
     • Projections: Sites for muscle or ligament attachment (e.g., trochanters)
     • Depressions: Indentations that can serve as pathways for blood vessels or nerves (e.g., fossae)

4. Anatomical Regions of a Bone:

   • Identify the anatomical regions of a longitudinally cut bone, such as:
     • Diaphysis (shaft)
     • Epiphyses (ends)

5. Major Parts of an Osteon:

   • Locate and identify major parts of an osteon on a model, which includes:
     • Central (Haversian) canal
     • Lamellae
     • Lacunae
     • Canaliculi

6. Axial vs. Appendicular Skeleton:

   • Distinguish between bones of the axial skeleton (skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum) and the appendicular skeleton (limbs and girdles).

Activities

BEFORE COMING TO CLASS:

• Pre-class Preparation:
  1. Watch Lab Intro Video: Available on the Canvas Module page.
  2. Identify Activities for Each Exercise:
  • Exercise 7- P. 81 = Activity A
  • P. 83 = Activity B
  • P. 84 = Activity C
  1. Read Lab Exercise and Assigned Activities for the week as indicated.
  2. Begin Completing Study Charts for future reference.

DURING CLASS:

• Class Procedures:
  1. Attendance and Pre-lab Quiz: Sign in using Top Hat.
  2. Lab Activities: Complete indicated activities for Exercise 7.
  • Write any changes to directions made by the lab instructor in the lab manual.
  • Clean up according to the instructor's directives.
  1. Bone Markings Card Sort Activity: Follow the directions in the envelope and return all materials when finished.
  2. Team Collaboration: Work with your team to finalize Study Charts and Exercise 7 Review Sheets, Questions #1-18. Obtain instructor's initials on each page.
  3. Post-Lab Quiz: Complete on Top Hat, using text, Study Charts, and Review Sheets, timed at 12 minutes.

AFTER CLASS:

• Post-Class Tasks:
  1. Use a smart device to take photos of each completed Study Chart/Illustration Page and Review Sheets.
  2. Upload Pics to Canvas LAB Assignment portal by the due date (2-14-2028).
  3. Individual Submissions: Each team member must submit their own photos/review sheets to receive credit.

REVIEW SECTION

Review Questions:

1. Hyoid Bone Classification:

   • The hyoid bone belongs to the:
     • a. appendicular skeleton.
     • b. axial skeleton.
     • c. upper limb.
     • d. skull.
       (Correct Answer: b. axial skeleton)

2. Clavicle Classification:

   • The clavicle belongs to the:
     • a. axial skeleton.
     • b. pectoral girdle.
     • c. hip bones.
     • d. upper limb.
       (Correct Answer: b. pectoral girdle)

3. Osteoporosis Explanation:

   • In osteoporosis, the significant loss of spongy bone weakens a bone by reducing its internal support structure and density, leading to increased susceptibility to fractures.

4. Labeling an Illustration:

   • The following illustration labels provided terms:
   1. canaliculi
   2. central canal
   3. concentric lamella
   4. lacuna
   5. osteon

5. Ends of Long Bone:

   • The ends of a long bone are known as the:
     • Epiphyses

6. Forearm Bones:

   • Two bones of the forearm include:
     • radius and ulna

7. Ribs Classification:

   • The ribs are part of which skeletal division?
     • a. axial
     • b. appendicular
       (Correct Answer: a. axial)

8. Bone between Femur and Tibia:

   • The bone found between the femur and tibia is the:
     • patella

9. Average Number of Bones in Young Adult:

   • A young adult has, on average:
     • 206 bones

10. Inorganic Portion of Bone Tissue:

    • The inorganic portion is primarily composed of:
      • hydroxyapatite, a complex mineral salt consisting of calcium phosphate.

11. Definition of an Osteon:

    • An osteon is defined as the fundamental functional unit of compact bone, consisting of:
      • a central canal surrounded by concentric lamellae.

12. Synthetic Bone Material:

    • Synthetic bone material known as hydroxyapatite is molded to replace damaged bone.
      • Cells involved in remodeling:
      • Osteoblasts: Build new bone.
      • Osteoclasts: Break down old bone.

13. Role of Osteocytes:

    • Osteocytes maintain bone tissue and its mineral content. They regulate the exchange of nutrients and waste.

14. Long Bone Shape and Strength:

    • The shape of a long bone, being hollow and cylindrical, provides structural strength to resist bending and compressive forces at the same time.

15. Decalcified Bone:

    • Decalcified bone becomes flexible and rubbery;
    • The mineral component is removed, leaving primarily the organic matrix intact.

16. Central Canal vs. Lacuna:

    • The central canal is a larger channel at the center of an osteon, containing blood vessels and nerves, while a lacuna is a smaller cavity housing osteocytes.

17. Shoulder Blade and Attached Bones:

    • The shoulder blade is known as the:
      • scapula.
    • Two bones that attach to it include:
      • clavicle and humerus.