Bones

Question 1

Why are bones remarkable?

Answer 1

1. for their strength- they are able to withstand a great deal of pressure (from the weight and movements of the body, for example)
2. toughness- they are not easily broken or damaged

Question 2

What are bones made from?

Answer 2

Like muscles, nerves and every other part of the body, bones are made from cells. They are composed of inorganic materials, mainly calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate, and organic substances such as gelatin, collagen and fats.

Question 3

What are the four structures of bones?

Answer 3

1. Bulbous end (spongy or cancellous bone)
2. Marrow cavities
3. Shaft (cortical or compact bone)
4. Periosteum
   See picture in photos

Question 4

Describe cancellous bone

Answer 4

consists of a latticework of thin plates of bone called trabeculae, the space of which is filled with red bone marrow which produces blood cells

Question 5

Describe the compact bone

Answer 5

Very dense and strong bone material that forms an outer layer (beneath the periosteum) and in long bones is thickest in the middle of the shaft.

Question 6

Describe the marrow cavities found in bone

Answer 6

marrow cavities are filled with marrow - a network of soft tissue. There are two types of bone marrow.

1. yellow bone marrow, which is mainly fat, and serves as an energy reserve
2. red bone marrow, which provides the body with red and white blood cells and blood platelets

Question 7

Describe the periosteum structure that is found in bone

Answer 7

A tough, fibrous sheath or membrane surrounding each bone. Experiments have shown that it is the action of the periosteum which results in both bone formation and bone repair after a breakage