Functions and Components of the Skeletal System

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Questions and Answers

Which component of the skeletal system is primarily responsible for producing blood cells?

Cartilage

Bone marrow (correct)

Tendons

Ligaments

What is one of the primary functions of ligaments within the skeletal system?

Support the body

Produce cartilage

Protect organs

Allow some movement between bones (correct)

Which type of cartilage is known for providing structural support and reducing friction in joints?

Hyaline cartilage (correct)

Elastic cartilage

Fibrocartilage

Articular cartilage

In what part of cartilage are chondrocytes typically found?

Lacunae Signup and view all the answers

What mineral is stored and released by the skeletal system as needed?

Calcium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functions is NOT associated with the skeletal system?

Hormone production Signup and view all the answers

What type of cartilage is primarily found in intervertebral discs that provides support and absorbs shock?

Fibrocartilage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the skeletal system?

Muscle fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of osteoclasts in bone tissue?

Resorption of bone Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bone is characterized by collagen fibers that are randomly oriented?

Woven bone Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is the functional unit of compact bone?

Haversian system Signup and view all the answers

What is the arrangement of osteocytes within lamellar bone?

In layers sandwiched between lamellae Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes compact bone from spongy bone?

More bone matrix and less space Signup and view all the answers

What is found within the central canal of an osteon?

Blood vessels and nerves Signup and view all the answers

What type of lamellae forms the outer surfaces of compact bone?

Circumferential lamellae Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for nutrient exchange in bone tissue?

Canaliculi Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of chondroblasts in appositional growth?

To add new matrix to the surface of cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the bone matrix is organic material?

35% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes osteoblasts?

Cells that build bone by secreting matrix components Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of osteoclasts in bone histology?

To destroy bone tissue and assist in bone resorption Signup and view all the answers

How do osteocytes receive nutrients?

Through canaliculi and lacunae Signup and view all the answers

What triggers osteoclasts to migrate to a bone remodeling site?

Recruitment by osteoblasts Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is associated with osteocytes and facilitates their communication?

Canaliculi Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the inorganic portion of the bone matrix?

Hydroxyapatite Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is characterized by a failure of the epiphyseal plate to calcify in children?

Rickets Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of osteoblasts in bone health?

They replace bone Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with an exaggerated lumbar curvature?

Lordosis Signup and view all the answers

How is alkaline phosphatase relevant in bone health?

It indicates enhanced osteoblastic activity Signup and view all the answers

What mineral is NOT typically stored in bones?

Zinc Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about osteoporosis?

There is a decline in bone mass Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the bone matrix provides flexible strength?

Collagen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary marker for monitoring bone resorption?

C-telopeptide Signup and view all the answers

Which process begins within embryonic connective tissue membranes?

Intramembranous ossification Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of growth hormone in bone development?

Encouraging interstitial cartilage growth Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis?

Inhibiting osteoclast activity Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is crucial for collagen synthesis by osteoblasts?

Vitamin C Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the epiphyseal plate in bone growth?

Zone of cartilage growth leading to lengthening of bone Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the closure of the epiphyseal plate?

Surge in reproductive hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of osteoclasts in bone metabolism?

Breaking down old bone Signup and view all the answers

Calcium homeostasis relies on which of the following hormones to regulate blood calcium levels?

Parathyroid hormone, calcitriol, calcitonin Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily affects the growth at the articular cartilage?

Response to mechanical stress Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs when old bone is replaced with new bone?

Bone remodeling Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of the Skeletal System

Support: Provides framework for the body.
Protection: Protects vital organs such as the brain, heart and lungs.
Movement: Allows for movement through joints, tendons, and ligaments.
Storage: Stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and adipose tissue in marrow cavities .
Blood Cell Production : Bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Components of the Skeletal System

Bone: Hard, rigid connective tissue consisting of organic and inorganic materials.
Cartilage: Flexible connective tissue without blood vessels or nerves, found in joints, nose, trachea, and ears.
Tendons: Connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones.
Ligaments: Connective tissue that connects bones to other bones.

Types of Cartilage

Hyaline Cartilage: Most common type, found in joints, nose, trachea, and ribs.
Fibrocartilage: Strongest type, found in intervertebral discs and menisci.
Elastic Cartilage: Most flexible type, found in the ear and epiglottis.

Cartilage Cell Types

Chondroblasts: Immature cells that are responsible for producing the cartilage matrix.
Chondrocytes: Mature cells that maintain the cartilage matrix and reside within lacunae (small cavities).

Bone Histology

Bone Matrix: Consists of both organic components like collagen and proteoglycans, and inorganic components like hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate crystals)

Bone Cells

Osteochondral Progenitor Cells: Bone stem cells that can differentiate into other bone cell types.
Osteoblasts: Bone-building cells that secrete matrix components.
Osteocytes: Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix.
Osteoclasts: Bone-destroying cells that resorb bone tissue.

Bone Development

Intramembranous Ossification: Bone formation that occurs directly within embryonic connective tissue membranes, forming flat bones like skull bones.
Endochondral Ossification: Bone formation that occurs within a cartilage model, forming long bones and most other bones in the body.

Bone Growth

Growth in Length: Occurs at the epiphyseal plate, a region of cartilage growth at the ends of long bones.
Growth in Width: Occurs at the periosteum, a fibrous membrane that covers the outer surface of bones.

Factors Affecting Bone Growth

Nutrition: Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and vitamin C are essential for bone growth.
Hormones: Growth hormone, thyroid hormone, estrogen, and testosterone play important roles in bone growth.

Calcium Homeostasis

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Increases blood calcium levels.
Calcitriol: Increases blood calcium levels by stimulating intestinal absorption of calcium.
Calcitonin: Decreases blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity.

Bone Remodeling

Basic Multicellular Unit (BMU): A group of osteoclasts and osteoblasts that work together to remodel bone tissue.
Osteon: The functional unit of compact bone, formed by the process of bone remodeling.

Bone Repair

A complex process involving several stages, including inflammation, soft callus formation, hard callus formation, and bone remodeling.

Abnormal Spinal Curvatures

Scoliosis: Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
Kyphosis: Exaggerated thoracic curvature of the spine, often referred to as "hunchback."
Lordosis: Exaggerated lumbar curvature of the spine, often referred to as "swayback."

Bone Disorders

Rickets: A condition in children caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, leading to soft and weak bones.
Osteomalacia: A condition in adults caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, leading to soft and weak bones.
Osteomyelitis: A bone infection typically caused by bacteria.
Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by low bone density, making bones weak and brittle.

Diagnostic Tests for Skeletal System Disorders

Blood Tests: Can be used to measure calcium levels, alkaline phosphatase, C-telopeptide, P1NP, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and vitamin C levels.

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Description

This quiz explores the functions and components of the skeletal system, detailing how it supports, protects, and aids in movement. You'll also learn about different types of cartilage and their specific roles in the body. Ideal for students studying human anatomy.