This lesson introduces bone as a living connective tissue, explains how its mineral and collagen components contribute to its properties, and surveys the major bone shapes and the structure of a long bone.
Bone, also called osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that forms the body's endoskeleton. It is an organ-level material containing living cells embedded in an extracellular matrix of collagen fibers and mineral salts. Blood, nerves, and other connective tissues are also present in bones.
All flashcards
What is osseous tissue?
Osseous tissue is bone tissue: a connective tissue of living cells embedded in a matrix containing collagen fibers and mineral salts.
What is hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite is a major bone mineral formed from calcium phosphate. It contributes to the hardness of the bone matrix.
Why are collagen fibers important to calcification?
They provide the matrix onto which mineral salts are deposited. In bone formation, calcification deposits minerals onto this collagen-fiber matrix.
How do flat bones differ from irregular bones?
Flat bones are thin and relatively broad, often serving protection or muscle attachment. Irregular bones have complex shapes, such as the vertebrae and hip bones.
What are the diaphysis and epiphyses?
The diaphysis is the shaft of a long bone. The epiphyses are its rounded ends, which are covered with articular cartilage at joint surfaces.
Quiz questions
Which pathway forms the flat bones of the skull, the mandible, and the clavicles?Answer: Intramembranous ossification
What do the central canals of osteons contain?Answer: Blood vessels and nerve fibers
Where is red marrow located in spongy bone?Answer: In the spaces between trabeculae
How does appositional growth increase the diameter of a bone?Answer: Outer bone is added while bone is removed from the inner surface.
What may happen to bone that is subjected to increased mechanical stress?Answer: It can become thicker and stronger.
Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.