Bone Structure and Function Quiz

Bone Structure and Function

• Bones protect internal organs, such as the brain (skull) and spinal cord (vertebral column).
• They store and release fat (yellow bone marrow).
• Bones produce blood cells (red bone marrow).
• Bones store and release minerals, like calcium and phosphorus.
• Bones facilitate movement by providing attachment points for muscles.
• Bones support the body, acting as a sort of scaffolding.

Bone Marrow

• Bone marrow is a connective tissue inside most bones.
• Yellow bone marrow stores fat (adipocytes).
• Adipocytes contain triglycerides, a form of energy stored for other tissues.
• Red bone marrow forms blood cells.
• Hematopoiesis is the process of blood formation within red bone marrow.

Parts of a Long Bone

• Epiphysis: The end of a long bone, articulates with other bones (forming a joint). It's covered by articular cartilage (hyaline cartilage).
• Metaphysis: Where the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) is located.
• Diaphysis: The shaft of the bone.
• Periosteum: A tough, vascular covering of tissue around the bone.
• Medullary cavity: Hollow chamber inside the diaphysis, containing marrow (soft connective tissue).

Bone Classifications

• Bones are classified by their shapes.
  • Long bones (e.g., femur, tibia, humerus): Cylinder-like, longer than wide, for movement and support.
  • Short bones (e.g., carpals, tarsals): Cube-like, nearly equal in length, width, and thickness, provide stability, and limited movement
  • Flat bones (e.g., sternum, ribs): Thin and curved, protect internal organs, and provide some muscle attachment.
  • Irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae, facial bones): Complex shapes, protect internal organs, support, and movement.
  • Sesamoid bones (e.g., patella): Small, round bones embedded in tendons, protect tendons and help with movement.

Compact vs. Spongy Bone

• Compact bone: Dense, tightly packed tissue; continuous extracellular matrix. Diaphysis is an example.
• Spongy bone: Irregular, thin bony plate projections; highly developed to resist compressive forces, reduces bone weight. Epiphysis is an example.

Bone Matrix

• Osseous tissue (bone tissue) is a connective tissue that provides structure and flexibility.
• It's composed of collagen fibers (1/3) and calcium and phosphate salts (2/3).
• Collagen provides flexibility and framework.
• Calcium and phosphate salts provide hardness and strength.

Bone Cells

• Osteogenic cells: Stem cells that differentiate into osteoblasts.
• Osteoblasts: Form bone matrix, secrete collagen matrix.
• Osteocytes: Mature bone cells, maintain bone tissue.
• Osteoclasts: Reabsorb old bone.

Paget's Disease

• A disorder of bone remodeling.
• Patients with Paget's Disease are usually over 40 years old.
• Overactive osteoclasts lead to bone formation problems.
• Bones are prone to fractures, pain, and bone deformities.

Bone Fractures

• Open fractures: The fractured bone breaks through the skin.
• Closed fractures: The fractured bone remains within the skin but is out of alignment.
• Reduction: Manipulating the bone back into alignment.
• Open reduction: Requires surgery to put the bone back in alignment.
• Closed reduction: Does not require surgery.

Fracture Repair

• Direct bone healing: Osteoblasts and osteoclasts unite broken structures by direct contact.
• Indirect bone healing: Cartilaginous patches form between broken bone ends before regeneration begins.

Test your knowledge on the structure and function of bones with this quiz. Explore various aspects like bone marrow, types of bones, and the roles they play in the human body. Challenge yourself to understand the complex relationships between different bone components.