Bone Structure, Formation, Growth & Repair Flashcards
What are the constitutes of connective tissue?
- Cells: fibroblasts (secrete ECM), adipocytes, osteoblasts/osteocytes (bones), chrondroblasts/chrondrocytes (cartilage) + immune cells
- ECM: fibrous proteins (e.g. collagen/elastin) + ground substance (proteoglycans, glycoproteins + water) - composition determines tissues physical properties
What is bone?
A specialised type of connective tissue
What is the function of proteoglycans?
Consist of repeat dissacharide units called GAGs bound to core of protein that are hydrophilic and attract water so tissue can resist compressive forces
What is the function of glycoproteins?
Allows cells to adhere to underlying ECM
What are the 2 main features of bone and what gives it these properties?
Need a BALANCE of:
- Rigidity: deals with force via mineralised ECM (hydroxyapatite)
- Resilience: absorb energy from impact, change slightly then return to original form via type I collagen fibres
What are the functions of bone?
Movement Mineral homeostasis Support Protection Site of haematopoiesis
What is periosteum?
Non-calcified dense irregular connective tissue layer covering bone helping bones to grow in thickness (as it contains osteoprogenitor cells and osteoblasts), protects bone, assists fracture repair, helps nourish bone tissue and is attachment point for tendons and ligaments
What are the 2 layers of periosteum?
- Outer fibrous layer
2. Inner cellular layer
What are the 2 different microscopic types of bone?
- Woven: immature primary weak bone formed at any site during development (also sites of fracture healing) where collage fibres are arranged randomly and quickly
- Lamellar: mature bone formed by remodelling of collagen fibres from woven bone into an orderly arrangement increasing strength
What are the 2 different types of lamellar bone structure?
Need a BALANCE of:
- Cortical: dense, strong and heavy giving rigidity
- Trabecular/spongy bone: less dense with holes like a sponge giving resilience
What are the different types of cortical (compact) bone?
- Outer circumferential lamellae
- Haversian systems (osteons)
- Interstitial lamellae (result of bone remodelling + formation of new Haversian systems)
- Inner circumferential lamellae
Define lamellae.
Bony plates made up of irregularly arranged collagen fibres in parallel
What are Haversian systems (osteons)?
Concentric lamellae around a central Haversian canal which contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves
What is the function of Volkmann’s canals?
Run transversely or obliquely to Haversian canals allowing communication between Harversian canals, periosteum, the marrow cavity and itself
What is trabecular/cancellous/spongy bone?
3D network of beams and struts of lamellar bone orientated along lines of stress (more likely to be remodelled in stress) making up large areas of interconnecting marrow spaces for haematopoiesis
Why do bones need a good vascular supply? Why is this clinically relevant?
Because a lot of remodelling occurs regularly - fractures can break blood vessels causing bleed and access can be gained to these vessels to give drugs in emergencies
What types of arteries supply bone?
Epiphyseal
Metaphyseal
Periosteal
Nutrient
How are bone cells formed?
From mesenchymal stem cells which form osteoprogenitor cells which become osteoblasts then osteocytes
What do osteoblasts do?
Line the surface of bones synthesizing and secreting organic bone matrix (osteoid)/ECM which is subsequently mineralised outside of the cell - once surrounded by matrix they become OSTEOCYTES
What does osteoid contain?
Type I collagen Proteoglycans Glycoproteins ALK P (forms hydroxyapatite) Osteocalcin (Ca2+ binding) Osteopontin