Bones Flashcards
Describe the structure of compact bone
Organised into circular structures called osteons/Haversian systems
What structure lies in the middle of an osteon ?
Haversian canal
The less dense bone is known as what?
Spongey (trabecular) bone
Describe the structure of trabecular bone
Network of lamellate trabeculae filled with bone marrow (no Haversian systems)
Orientation of trabeculae serves what physiology?
Directions of main mechanical stress
What permeates the trabecular bone?
Blood vessels
What are the names of the two membranes of bones?
Periosteum and endosteum
What three specialised cell types make up bone?
Osteocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts
What is an osteocyte?
Mature bone cells found in lacunae (natural depressions)
What is the function of an osteocyte?
Not well understood - its suggested that they may maintain the bone matrix and sense mechanical forces
What channels allow communication between bone cells?
Canaliculi connect lamellae to each other
What is an osteoblast?
Immature bone cell created from osteoprogenitor cells in periosteum and endosteum
What are the functions of osteoblasts?
Produces bone matrix and initiates calcification
Unmineralised bones matrix is also known as what?
Osteoids
When do osteoblasts become osteocytes?
When the bone matrix is fully developed