Long Bones

articular cartilage

Hyaline cartilage attached to articular bone surfaces; surfaces that form joints.

epiphysis

The end of a long bone, usually larger in diameter than the shaft.

cancellous bone

The lattice-like inner layer of the bone that houses marrow which produces new blood cells. It also provides structural stability while allowing for the necessary flexibility to absorb physical shock/stress placed on the body. It lies inside the compact bone.

ossification

The process by which bone is formed, renewed, and repaired by gradually turning cartilage to bone.

diaphysis

The shaft of a long bone. The diaphysis is hollow and is made entirely from compact bone.

flat bones

Thin, flattened slightly curved; bones of sternum, ribs, skull; parallel layers.

osteocytes

Mature bone cells

medullary cavity

Central cavity located in the shaft of a long bone filled with yellow marrow and surrounded by compact bone.

osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone materials

compact bone

Hard, dense bone tissue that is beneath the outer membrane (periosteum) of a bone.

osteoporosis

A condition resulting from a loss of minerals in which the body's bones become less dense, weak and break easily.

periosteum

A dense fibrous membrane covering the surface of bones (except at their extremities) and serving as an attachment for tendons and muscles.

osteoblasts

Cells responsible for bone formation

appositional bone growth

Bone increases in width by laying down new bone at the periosteum (osteoblasts) and removing bone at the endosteum (osteoclasts)

osseous tissue

Bone tissue; a hard, dense connective tissue that forms the structural elements of the skeleton

long bones

Bones that are longer than they are wide; long cylindrical shaft, ends are enlarged; includes the femur, humerus, metatarsals, and phalanges.

short bones

Bones that are roughly qual in length and width; wrist and ankle.

irregular bones

Bones that cannot be classified and long or short bones; attachment for muscles, tendons, and ligaments, or they attach to other bones to create joints; examples are the vertebrae and the bones in the pelvis and face.

nutrient requirements for bone

Calcium, vitamin D, phosphorous, magnesium and protein. Calcium for bone development. Vitamin D for bone health. Phosphorus magnesium, protein for building bone tissue.

red marrow

Found in flat bones and the ends of long bones; forms the red blood cells and most white blood cells of the blood

endosteum

Membrane lining the medullary cavity of a bone.

Five primary functions of the skeletal system

Protection, shape, movement, support, production of red blood cells.

lacunae

Small spaces between the lamellae (bone cavities) which contain osteocytes.

yellow marrow

Soft, fatty material found in the medullary cavity of long bones.

calcification

The process of creating hard bone by combining collagen and calcium phosphate.