skeletal system flashcards

All 49 cards

1. Card 1

   Explain how the structural arrangement of osteons within compact bone contributes to its maximum strength.

   Osteons, or Haversian systems, in compact bone are arranged to run parallel to the long axis of the bone. This specific orientation provides the bone with its maximum strength and makes it hard and densely packed, enabling it to withstand significant stress and force.

2. Card 2

   Which of the following is a primary function of the axial skeleton?

   • A. Providing main support for erect posture and protecting the central nervous system. (correct)
   • B. Allowing for the articulation of the limbs with the axial skeleton.
   • C. Storing energy in the form of fat in yellow bone marrow.
   • D. Producing red blood cells in red bone marrow.

3. Card 3

   DEFINITION: Distinguish between the diaphysis and epiphysis of a long bone based on their structure and primary contents.

   The diaphysis is the shaft of the long bone, a hollow cylinder of compact bone surrounding a medullary cavity used for fat storage (yellow bone marrow). The epiphysis refers to the enlarged ends of the bone, consisting of compact bone on the outside, covered with cartilage, and spongy bone on the inside with spaces filled with red marrow for blood cell production.

4. Card 4

   How does the classification of bone as a connective tissue relate to its microscopic structure?

   Bone is classified as a connective tissue because its cells, osteocytes, are not close together and are separated by large amounts of non-cellular matrix. In bone, this matrix is particularly significant due to the deposition of inorganic salts of calcium and phosphate, which increase its rigidity and strength, making it the hardest of the connective tissues.

5. Card 5

   A young person consuming anabolic steroids might experience which of the following effects on their bone growth and height?

   • A. Increased bone density and accelerated growth, resulting in taller stature.
   • B. Earlier hardening of bones and cessation of growth, leading to shorter bone length. (correct)
   • C. Enhanced flexibility of tendons and ligaments, improving athletic performance.
   • D. Stimulation of red bone marrow production, increasing red blood cell count.

6. Card 6

   DEFINITION: What is the periosteum and where is it absent in the macroscopic structure of a long bone?

   The periosteum is the dense, white, fibrous outer covering of the bone. It is absent at the joints, where the bone is instead covered with articular cartilage to facilitate smooth movement.

7. Card 7

   Explain the dual role of bone marrow in the human skeleton.

   Bone marrow plays a dual role: red bone marrow, found within the spongy bone of the epiphysis, is responsible for producing red blood cells. Yellow bone marrow, located in the medullary cavity of the diaphysis, serves as a site for energy storage in the form of fat.

8. Card 8

   Which mineral is primarily stored in bones and can be released to the rest of the body as needed?

   • A. Sodium
   • B. Potassium
   • C. Calcium (correct)
   • D. Magnesium

9. Card 9

   How does the appendicular skeleton facilitate movement in conjunction with the axial skeleton?

   The appendicular skeleton, comprising the bones of the limbs and the pectoral and pelvic girdles, allows for movement by providing points of attachment for muscles. The girdles specifically enable the articulation of the limbs with the axial skeleton, forming levers at joints that muscles can pull on to produce movement.

10. Card 10

    DEFINITION: Define the term 'articulation' as it relates to the musculoskeletal system.

    In the musculoskeletal system, articulation refers to movement facilitated by bones serving as attachment points for muscles to pull on bones and forming levers at joints. This allows for a range of motions and is enabled by structures like the pectoral and pelvic girdles.

11. Card 11

    The non-cellular matrix of bone is primarily composed of which inorganic salts to increase its rigidity and strength?

    • A. Sodium chloride and potassium iodide
    • B. Magnesium sulfate and iron oxide
    • C. Zinc carbonate and copper nitrate
    • D. Calcium and phosphate (correct)

12. Card 12

    Beyond support and movement, what are two other vital functions of the human skeleton?

    In addition to providing a scaffold for support and facilitating movement, the human skeleton also protects vital internal organs by covering them and produces red blood cells in the red bone marrow. It also stores energy in fat in yellow bone marrow and stores minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

13. Card 13

    Which part of a long bone is described as a hollow cylinder of compact bone surrounding a medullary cavity used for fat storage?

    • A. Diaphysis (correct)
    • B. Epiphysis
    • C. Periosteum
    • D. Articular cartilage

14. Card 14

    Outline how anabolic steroid consumption impacts tendon stiffening in a young person.

    Anabolic steroid consumption in a young person can lead to tendon stiffening. Tendons are fibrous connective tissues attaching muscle to bone, and their stiffening can result in an increased risk of injury and a decrease in overall performance.

15. Card 15

    DEFINITION: What is the primary role of the pectoral and pelvic girdles within the appendicular skeleton?

    The primary role of the pectoral (shoulder) and pelvic (hip) girdles within the appendicular skeleton is to allow for the articulation of the upper and lower limbs, respectively, with the axial skeleton. This connection enables the wide range of movements characteristic of the limbs.

16. Card 16

    Explain the structural organization of compact bone, detailing how its components contribute to its function.

    Compact bone is organized into many similar units called osteons or Haversian systems, which run parallel to the long axis of the bone, providing maximum strength. Each osteon contains a central canal with blood capillaries, nerves, and lymph capillaries, surrounded by concentric layers of bony matrix called lamellae. Small spaces called lacunae within the lamellae house osteocytes, and tiny canals called canaliculi connect these lacunae, allowing for material exchange between bone cells.

17. Card 17

    Distinguish between osteoblasts and osteocytes based on their primary functions and locations.

    Osteoblasts are responsible for the formation of the bone matrix and the synthesis of new bone cells, found in the endosteum and/or cell lining of the periosteum. Osteocytes are mature bone cells that occupy lacunae within the bone matrix, and their cellular projections entering the canaliculi allow them to communicate and pass materials between adjacent bone cells.

18. Card 18

    How do the cellular projections of osteocytes facilitate communication and material transfer within compact bone?

    The cellular projections of osteocytes extend into tiny canals called canaliculi. These projections make contact with adjacent bone cells, forming a network. This direct cellular contact within the canaliculi allows for the efficient passage of materials, such as nutrients and waste, from cell to cell throughout the compact bone matrix.

19. Card 19

    What is the primary reason for the slow rate of nutrition and waste removal in cartilage compared to bone?

    Cartilage lacks blood vessels, meaning all nutrition and waste removal for its cells, chondrocytes, must occur through diffusion through the matrix. This reliance on diffusion is a slow process, which consequently leads to chondrocytes having a slow metabolic rate.

20. Card 20

    Which of the following is a key characteristic that differentiates spongy bone from compact bone?

    • A. Spongy bone is arranged in osteons.
    • B. Spongy bone has no space between lamellae.
    • C. Spongy bone contains red bone marrow. (correct)
    • D. Spongy bone is found on the exterior of long bones.

21. Card 21

    Define the term 'chondrin' and explain its role in the structure and function of cartilage.

    Chondrin is a firm protein-carbohydrate complex that forms the matrix of cartilage. It provides the structural support for cartilage, and along with embedded collagen fibers, it gives cartilage a certain amount of flexibility, allowing it to function as both a supportive and pliable tissue.

22. Card 22

    What is the primary function of canaliculi in compact bone?

    • A. To house osteoblasts for bone matrix formation.
    • B. To allow material passage between adjacent bone cells. (correct)
    • C. To provide a central pathway for blood vessels and nerves.
    • D. To form the concentric layers of bony matrix.

23. Card 23

    Describe the main structural components of an osteon (Haversian system) and their arrangement.

    An osteon, or Haversian system, consists of a central canal at its core, which contains blood capillaries, nerves, and lymph capillaries. Surrounding this central canal are concentric layers of bony matrix called lamellae. Within these lamellae are small spaces known as lacunae, each occupied by an osteocyte, and tiny canals called canaliculi radiate from the lacunae, connecting them to each other and the central canal.

24. Card 24

    Explain how the presence of collagen and elastic fibers contributes to the distinct properties of hyaline and elastic cartilage.

    Hyaline cartilage contains many fine, closely packed collagen fibers throughout its matrix, which provide strength and flexibility. Elastic cartilage, in contrast, has conspicuous (easy to see) elastic fibers that are less closely packed, in addition to collagenous fibers. These elastic fibers provide greater flexibility and elastic recoil, allowing structures like the external ear and epiglottis to regain their shape after deformation.

25. Card 25

    Which type of cartilage is best suited for weight-bearing locations and why?

    • A. Hyaline cartilage, due to its fine, closely packed collagen fibers providing strength.
    • B. Elastic cartilage, because its elastic fibers provide flexibility and recoil.
    • C. Chondrin cartilage, as it forms a firm protein-carbohydrate complex.
    • D. Fibrocartilage, due to its thick, compressible collagenous fibers. (correct)

26. Card 26

    What are the key structural differences between compact bone and spongy bone?

    Compact bone is dense and arranged into osteons that run parallel to the long axis, found on the exterior of long bones, and contains yellow marrow. Spongy bone, also called cancellous bone, has no osteons, an irregular arrangement of thin bony plates called trabeculae, is less dense and more porous, found on the interior and at the ends of long bones, and contains red bone marrow.

27. Card 27

    Describe the process by which chondroblasts mature into chondrocytes within cartilage.

    Chondroblasts are cartilage cells that produce the cartilage matrix. As they synthesize and secrete this matrix, they gradually become surrounded by it. Eventually, they become trapped within small spaces called lacunae within the matrix. Once enclosed in these lacunae, the cells are considered mature and are then referred to as chondrocytes.

28. Card 28

    Where would you expect to find elastic cartilage, given its specific properties?

    • A. External ear and epiglottis. (correct)
    • B. Rings of the trachea and bronchi.
    • C. Intervertebral discs of the spinal column.
    • D. Surface of bones at the joints.

29. Card 29

    Explain the significance of the inorganic salts of calcium and phosphate in the bone matrix.

    Inorganic salts of calcium and phosphate are deposited in the bone matrix. These salts are crucial because they significantly increase the rigidity and strength of the bone. Their presence makes bone the hardest of the connective tissues, enabling it to provide robust structural support and protection to the body.

30. Card 30

    What is the primary function of the trabeculae in spongy bone?

    Trabeculae are an irregular arrangement of thin bony plates found in spongy bone. They create spaces that are filled with bone cells and also allow for nerves and blood vessels to pass through. This arrangement makes spongy bone less dense and more porous, contributing to its role in supporting internal bone structures and housing red bone marrow.

31. Card 31

    Explain why cartilage heals slowly after injury, considering its microscopic structure.

    Cartilage heals slowly because it lacks blood vessels. This means that nutrient and waste removal for chondrocytes relies solely on diffusion through the matrix, which is a slow process. Consequently, chondrocytes have a slow rate of metabolism and cell division, impeding rapid repair.

32. Card 32

    DEFINITION: Distinguish between the structural and functional classifications of joints.

    Joints can be classified structurally by their range of movement, such as immobile, slightly movable, or freely movable. Functionally, they are classified by the type of connective tissue that binds the bones, such as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.

33. Card 33

    Which type of joint is characterized by bones held together by cartilage, allowing slight movement?

    • A. Fibrous joints
    • B. Cartilaginous joints (correct)
    • C. Synovial joints
    • D. Ball-and-socket joints

34. Card 34

    How does the fit of bones in a joint influence its strength and range of movement?

    If bones fit together tightly, the joint is strong but allows very little movement. Conversely, loosely fitted joints offer a wide range of movement but are weaker and more susceptible to dislocation.

35. Card 35

    DEFINITION: Define a pivot joint and provide an example of its location in the human body.

    A pivot joint occurs when the rounded, pointed, or conical end of one bone articulates with a ring formed partly by bone and partly by a ligament. An example is the joint between the first and second vertebrae, or between the radius and ulna.

36. Card 36

    Which joint type allows movement in one plane only, similar to a hinged door?

    • A. Ball-and-socket joint
    • B. Gliding joint
    • C. Hinge joint (correct)
    • D. Saddle joint

37. Card 37

    Explain the primary mechanism for nutrient supply and waste removal in cartilage.

    The primary mechanism for nutrient supply and waste removal in cartilage is diffusion through the matrix. This is because cartilage lacks blood vessels, making it dependent on this slow process for cellular metabolism and division.

38. Card 38

    DEFINITION: What are fibrous joints, and where are they typically found?

    Fibrous joints are fixed joints where no movement occurs between the bones concerned. The bones are held in place by fibrous connective tissue, as exemplified by the sutures of the skull.

39. Card 39

    Where does the blood supply for cartilage primarily originate?

    • A. Blood vessels in the inner layer of the perichondrium (correct)
    • B. Direct blood vessels within the cartilage matrix
    • C. Synovial fluid within the joint cavity
    • D. Adjacent bone marrow

40. Card 40

    Describe the structural characteristics of a ball-and-socket joint that enable its wide range of movement.

    A ball-and-socket joint features the spherical head of one bone fitting into a cup-like cavity of another. This configuration allows for movements in all directions, though these movements can be limited by surrounding ligaments.

41. Card 41

    DEFINITION: What is a condyloid (ellipsoid) joint, and what movements does it permit?

    A condyloid joint has one slightly convex bone surface that fits into a slightly concave depression in another bone. These joints allow for movement both up-and-down and side-to-side.

42. Card 42

    Which joint type is uniquely described as having two bones that are both saddle-shaped, concave in one direction and convex in the other?

    • A. Hinge joint
    • B. Pivot joint
    • C. Gliding joint
    • D. Saddle joint (correct)

43. Card 43

    How do ligaments, muscles, and tendons influence the movement in synovial joints?

    In synovial joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, along with adjoining bones, limit the amount of movement. These structures provide stability and define the range of motion for these freely movable joints.

44. Card 44

    DEFINITION: Provide examples of where gliding joints are found and describe their typical movements.

    Gliding joints are found between carpal bones, tarsal bones, the sternum and clavicle, and the scapula and clavicle. They allow movement in any direction, typically a side-to-side or back-and-forth motion, restricted only by surrounding ligaments or bony processes.

45. Card 45

    Which of the following is an example of a cartilaginous joint?

    • A. The pubic symphysis (correct)
    • B. The sutures of the skull
    • C. The elbow joint
    • D. The hip joint

46. Card 46

    Explain how the various structural components of a synovial joint collectively enable continuous use with minimal damage.

    The fibrous capsule provides strength against dislocation. Synovial fluid lubricates the joint, preventing bones from rubbing and reducing wear, while also nourishing articular cartilage and removing debris. Articular cartilage offers a smooth surface for movement, and bursae prevent friction. Ligaments hold bones together, and the fit of articulating bones along with surrounding muscles provides stability, all contributing to the joint's durability.

47. Card 47

    Distinguish between the functions of synovial fluid and articular cartilage within a synovial joint.

    Synovial fluid lubricates the joint, cushions articular surfaces, nourishes the articular cartilage, and contains phagocytic cells to clear debris and pathogens. Articular cartilage, on the other hand, covers the articulating bone surfaces, providing a smooth area for movement and protecting the bone from wear and tear through its cushioning effect.

48. Card 48

    Which of the following movements describes the process of returning the arms to the sides of the body after they have been lifted upwards and away?

    • A. Flexion
    • B. Abduction
    • C. Adduction (correct)
    • D. Rotation

49. Card 49

    How do articular discs, such as the menisci in the knee, contribute to the function of certain synovial joints?

    Articular discs, like the menisci, are made of fibrocartilage and extend inward from the articular capsule in some synovial joints. Their primary contribution is to divide the synovial cavity into two compartments, which allows synovial fluid to be directed more effectively to the areas experiencing the greatest friction, thereby optimizing lubrication and reducing wear.

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