Bone tissue

• What are the general functions of the skeletal system?

  • Support
  • Protection
  • Assistance in movement
  • Mineral homeostasis
  • Blood cell production (red bone marrow)
  • Triglyceride storage (yellow bone marrow)
• What is the significance of the diaphysis in a long bone?

  It is the body or shaft of the bone.
• What is the epiphyseal plate?

  It is the area of active growth in a long bone.
• What role does the periosteum play in bone structure?

  It surrounds the bone and assists in growth, repair, and nourishment.
• What is the composition of bone tissue?

  15% water, 30% collagen fibers, and 55% crystallized mineral salts.
• What is calcification in bone tissue?

  It is the process where mineral salts are deposited and crystallize along the collagen and extracellular matrix material.
• What are the types of bone cells and their functions?

  • Osteoprogenitor cells: stem cells that produce osteoblasts.
  • Osteoblasts: build bone and secrete collagen fibers.
  • Osteocytes: maintain daily metabolism and monitor tissue.
  • Osteoclasts: break down bone and regulate blood calcium.
• How do osteoblasts and osteoclasts differ in their functions?

  Osteoblasts build bone, while osteoclasts break down bone.
• What are the structural components of compact bone?

  • Osteons (Haversian systems)
  • Concentric bone lamellae
  • Bone lacunae
  • Bone canaliculi
  • Interstitial bone lamellae
  • Perforating canals
  • Circumferential bone lamellae
• What is the primary function of spongy bone?

  To decrease the weight/mass of bone and protect red marrow.
• What is the role of the nutrient artery in bone?

  It supplies blood to the inner diaphysis, trabeculae, and bone marrow.
• What are the steps involved in fracture repair?

  1. Hematoma formation
  2. Fibrocartilaginous callus formation
  3. Bony callus formation
  4. Bone remodeling
• What is ossification?

  It is the process by which bone forms.
• What are the two patterns of bone formation?

  Intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification.
• How does the organization of osteons in compact bone change over time?

  It changes due to stresses applied to the bone, such as walking or physical activity.
• What are the functions of spongy bone?

  • Decreases weight/mass of bone
  • Protects red marrow for blood cell production (hemopoiesis)
• Where does hemopoiesis occur in the body?

  In pelvic bones, ribs, sternum, vertebrae, skull, and proximal ends of long bones.
• What is the role of the endosteum in bone structure?

  It lines the medullary cavity and internal spaces of spongy bone.
• How does the skeletal system participate in homeostasis of plasma calcium levels?

  It regulates calcium levels through the actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
• What are the differences between intramembranous and endochondral ossification?

  • Intramembranous: occurs in flat bones, involves mesenchymal cells differentiating into osteoblasts.
  • Endochondral: occurs in long bones, involves a cartilage model that is replaced by bone.
• What is the primary component of the extracellular matrix in bone tissue?

  Collagen fibers and mineral salts.
• What is the significance of the medullary cavity in long bones?

  It contains fatty yellow bone marrow and blood vessels, decreasing bone mass.
• How does the structure of spongy bone differ from compact bone?

  Spongy bone has trabeculae and no osteons, while compact bone is dense with osteons.
• What is the role of the articular cartilage in bone structure?

  It reduces friction and absorbs shock at joints.
• What is the function of the periosteum's inner osteogenic layer?

  It plays a role in bone growth and repair.
• How does the orientation of trabeculae in spongy bone respond to physical activity?

  Trabeculae are oriented along lines of strain and change with physical activity.
• What is the primary function of osteocytes?

  To maintain daily metabolism and monitor the tissue.
• What is the role of osteoclasts in bone remodeling?

  They break down bone tissue and help regulate blood calcium levels.
• How does the structure of compact bone contribute to its function?


  Its dense structure provides protection, support, and resistance to strains from weight and movement.
• What is the significance of the nutrient canal in bone structure?

  It allows blood vessels to enter the bone matrix.
• What is the function of the trabeculae in spongy bone?

  They provide structural support while decreasing the weight of the bone.
• How does the blood supply to bone differ from other tissues?

  Bone has a rich blood supply with perforating canals allowing blood vessels to enter the bone matrix.
• What is the role of the metaphyseal arteries?

  They supply blood to the red and yellow marrow and trabeculae of the metaphysis.
• What is the significance of the nutrient canal in relation to bone health?

  It provides essential nutrients to the bone tissue.
• How does the skeletal system contribute to overall homeostasis?

  It regulates plasma calcium levels and supports blood cell production.
• What is the primary function of the red bone marrow?

  To produce blood cells.
• How does the skeletal system assist in movement?

  By providing attachment points for muscles and acting as levers.
• What changes occur in the bone repair process as humans age?

  The efficiency of bone repair and remodeling decreases with age.
• What is the role of the articular cartilage in joints?

  It reduces friction and absorbs shock at the joint surfaces.
• What is the function of the endosteum in bone structure?

  It lines the medullary cavity and internal spaces of spongy bone.