Bones, joints, the skeleton

• What is the role of bones in calcium homeostasis?

  Bones store and release calcium to maintain blood calcium levels
• How do bones grow during development?

  They grow through a process of ossification and lengthening at growth plates
• What is the function of the epiphyseal growth plate?

  It is where bone lengthening occurs during development
• What are the common causes of bone fractures?

  Trauma, falls, and osteoporosis
• How are bones repaired after fractures?

  Through a process involving blood clot formation, callus formation, and remodeling
• What are the steps involved in repairing a fracture?

  1. Blood clot formation and fibrous meshwork creation
  2. Rapid cell division in intact bone and migration of cells into the fracture zone
  3. Formation of a network of bone uniting the fracture edges
  4. Replacement of cartilage with spongy bone
  5. Remodeling of the fracture site
• What are bones made up of?

  Connective tissue reinforced with calcium and specialized bone cells
• What is the function of bones in the body?

  To provide structure, support movement, and protect internal organs
• What is the musculoskeletal system?

  It is the system that includes bones, muscles, and joints working together
• What are the types of bones in the human body?

  Long, short, flat, irregular and sesamoid bones.
• What is the periosteum?

  The dense, tough outer shell of bone that contains blood vessels and nerves
• What is the function of bone marrow?

  It produces blood cells
• What types of blood cells are made by bone marrow?

  Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
• What are osteoblasts?

  Cells that build bone tissue
• What role do osteoclasts play in bone health?

  They break down old bone tissue
• What factors influence bone density?

  Dietary calcium, vitamin D, healthy diet, hormones, and exercise
• What are some common bone conditions?

  • Fractures - broken bones of various types
  • Osteoporosis - loss of bone density and strength
  • Osteomyelitis - infection of the bone
  • Osteitis - bone inflammation
  • Acromegaly - overgrowth of bones in the face, hands and feet
  • Fibrous dysplasia - abnormal growth or swelling of bone
  • Rickets - a child’s growing bones fail to develop due to a lack of vitamin D
  • Multiple myeloma - cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow
  • Bone cancer - primary bone cancers include osteosarcomas and chondrosarcomas
• What is osteoporosis?

  A condition characterized by loss of bone density and strength
• How do primary bone cancers differ from secondary bone cancers?

  Primary bone cancers originate in the bone, while secondary cancers spread from other organs
• What are osteocytes?


  The cells that maintain bone tissue by controlling the mineral and calcium content.
• What are irregular bones and give examples?


  Irregular bones are bones with complex shapes that do not fit into other bone classification categories. Examples include vertebrae and hip bones.
• What are sesamoid bones and give examples?


  Sesamoid bones are small, round bones embedded within tendons. Examples include the patella (kneecap) and the two small sesamoid bones under the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot.
• What are flat bones and give examples?


  Flat bones are bones that are thin, flat, and often curved. Examples include the skull bones, ribs, and sternum.
• What are long bones and give examples?


  Long bones are bones that are longer than they are wide, with a shaft and two ends. Examples include the femur, humerus, and tibia.
• What are short bones and give examples?

  Cube-shaped bones, examples include carpals and tarsals.
• What is compact or dense tissue? 


  The hard, smooth layer that protects the tissue within.
• What is spongy or cancellous tissue?


  The porous, honeycombed material found inside most bones, which allows the bone to be strong yet lightweight.
• What is bone marrow?

  The jelly-like substance found inside the cavities of some bones (including the pelvis) that produces blood cells.
• What is a joint?

  A joint is any place in your body where two bones meet.
• What are the three categories of joint movement?

  The three categories are synarthroses, amphiarthroses, and diarthroses.
• What type of joint does not move at all?

  Synarthroses are joints that don’t move at all.
• What is the function of diarthroses joints?

  Diarthroses joints allow the most movement.
• What are the components that make up joints?

  Joints are made of bones and connective tissues like cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
• What are fibrous joints characterized by?

  Fibrous joints are characterized by thick connective tissue that’s tightly woven together.
• What are the three types of fibrous joints?

  The three types of fibrous joints are sutures, gomphoses, and syndesmoses.
• What is the function of cartilaginous joints?

  Cartilaginous joints are cushioned by cartilage and allow limited movement.
• Where are cartilaginous joints found?

  Cartilaginous joints are found where your ribs meet your sternum and in the pubic symphysis.
• What are synovial joints known for?

  Synovial joints are known for having the most freedom to move.
• What covers the ends of bones in a synovial joint?

  Slippery hyaline cartilage covers the ends of bones in a synovial joint.
• What is the role of the synovial membrane?

  The synovial membrane lubricates and protects the joint.