Anoka-Ramsey Community College 3

Bone Structure and Formation

• The stretch bone is composed of small structural units called trabeculae.

Types of Bone Creation

• Endochondral Ossification:

  • Involves the replacement of hyaline cartilage with bone tissue.

  • Retained hyaline cartilage is found at joints and specific areas throughout life.

  • Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are regions where hyaline cartilage is maintained during growth until height is reached.

• Intramembranous Ossification:

  • Bone forms from a fibrous connective tissue membrane derived from mesenchyme.

Bone Anatomy

• Diaphysis: Shaft of the bone.

• Epiphysis: End part of the bone, where growth occurs.

• Epiphyseal Plate:

  • Growth plate that regulates bone lengthening.

  • As we grow, cartilage at the epiphyseal plate is gradually replaced with bone.

Hormonal Regulation

• Hormones regulate bone growth during puberty:

  • Testosterone

  • Estrogens

  • These hormones contribute to growth spurts during adolescence.

Bone Growth After Birth

• Growth in length and width continues after birth:

  • Length: Growth plates are involved until full height is achieved.

  • Width: Bone thickness increases throughout life; some facial bones grow slowly over time.

Bone Cell Types

• Osteoblasts:

  • Function: Build bone by adding matrix and depositing minerals (calcium and phosphorus).

  • These cells are responsible for increasing bone strength and density.

• Osteoclasts:

  • Function: Remove bone tissue by breaking down the matrix.

  • Key players in bone remodeling and maintenance of bone health.