Bone Physiology

Question 1

Cortical vs. cancellous bone

Answer 1

• cortical bone is dense outer shell

- cancellous bone is trabecular (spongy, porous) bone encased by cortical bone

Question 2

How does osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity generate bone?

Answer 2

• new bone is generated when osteoblastic activity occurs
• osteoclastic activity breaks down its bone
• this restoration is in response to stresses applied on it

Question 3

Axial skeleton vs. appendicular skeleton

Answer 3

• axial: contains bones of head that protects the CNS

- appendicular: contains bones of the shoulder, upper and lower extremities, and the pelvis

Question 4

Epiphysis

Answer 4

Part of a long bone from which bone growth occurs (typically t the end of long bones)

Question 5

Diaphysis

Answer 5

Shaft of long bone

Question 6

Metaphysis

Answer 6

Growing portion of a bone located between diaphysis and epiphysis

Question 7

Osteoblast

Answer 7

Creates or builds bone

Question 8

Osteoclast

Answer 8

Breaks down bone

Question 9

Wolff’s Law

Answer 9

Bone reformation occurs in response to the stresses that are placed on it

Question 10

Periosteum

Answer 10

Layer of connective tissue that envelops all bones, is highly vascular

Question 11

What are the two functions of the skeleton?

Answer 11

1) reservoir for important inorganic elements incl Mg and Ca that is released or absorbed to maintain homeostasis
2) provides structural support