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Skeletal System Vocabulary (1)

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4 views

Skeletal System Vocabulary (1)

Uploaded by

ghpxrtfjpz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Epiphyses: The ends of long bones, which are usually wider than the shaft.

They are primarily


made of spongy bone and are covered by articular cartilage to facilitate joint movement.
Diaphysis: The shaft or central part of a long bone, composed mostly of compact bone that
provides strength and support.
Metaphysis: The region between the diaphysis and epiphyses in a long bone. In growing
bones, it contains the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) and is the site of bone growth.
Articular Cartilage: A smooth, thin layer of cartilage that covers the ends of bones (epiphyses)
in joints, reducing friction and absorbing shock during movement.
Periosteum: a dense layer of vascular connective tissue covering the outer surface of bones
(except at the joints). It contains nerves and blood vessels that nourish the bone and is involved
in bone growth and repair.
Compact Bone: Dense, strong bone tissue that forms the outer layer of bones. It gives bones
their strength and structure.
Spongy Bone: Cancellous bone is lighter and less dense than compact bone, found mainly in
the epiphyses of long bones and the interior of other bones. It contains red bone marrow where
blood cells are produced.
Medullary Cavity: The central cavity within the diaphysis of long bones. It contains yellow bone
marrow, which stores fat.
Marrow: The soft, fatty tissue found inside bones. There are two types:

● Red Bone Marrow: Produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
● Yellow Bone Marrow: Stores fat and can convert to red marrow if needed for increased
blood cell production.

Osteocytes: Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix. They are housed in small spaces
called lacunae and communicate through canaliculi.
Osteons: The structural unit of compact bone, also known as Haversian systems. They are
cylindrical structures consisting of concentric layers (lamellae) of calcified matrix and contain a
central canal with blood vessels and nerves.
Intramembranous Bones: Bones that form directly from mesenchymal tissue through a
process called intramembranous ossification, which is typical in the development of flat bones
like the skull, clavicle, and some facial bones.
Osteoblasts: Bone-forming cells that produce new bone matrix by secreting collagen and
minerals. They are responsible for bone growth and repair.
Endochondral Bones: Bones that develop from cartilage templates through a process called
endochondral ossification. This is the process through which most bones in the body, such as
long bones, are formed.
Epiphyseal Plate: Also known as the growth plate, it is a layer of cartilage in the metaphysis of
growing bones. This is where bone lengthening occurs during childhood and adolescence. Once
growth is complete, it becomes the epiphyseal line.
Osteoclasts: Large bone cells responsible for breaking down and resorbing bone tissue. They
play a critical role in bone remodeling and calcium regulation by dissolving old or damaged
bone.
Hematopoiesis is the process of blood cell formation in the red bone marrow. It involves the
production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

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