Gross anatomy & histology of bone

Question 1

What is the structure and function of the diaphysis in a long bone?

Answer 1

Structure: long cylindrical structure forming the main shaft of the long bone

Question 2

What is the location and function of articular cartilage?

Answer 2

Location: ends of bones (where they form joints)
Function: reduces friction and enhance congruency during movement between joint surfaces

Question 3

What is the location and function of the periosteum?

Answer 3

Location: covers the outer surface of the bone
Function: allows for muscle (tendon) attachment

Question 4

What is an osteocyte and what does it look like?

Answer 4

a mature cell that monitors and maintains bone matrix (bone stress, calcium)
it looks spidery, circular with thin processes

Question 5

What is an osteoblast and what does it mature into?

Answer 5

a bone building cell that secretes unmineralised bone matrix (osteoid) and plays a role in calcification.
matures into osteocytes (when surrounded by matrix)

Question 6

What is an osteoclast and what does it arise from?

Answer 6

resorbs. (consumes) bones so that the bone can be maintained and healed
arises from the bone marrow

Question 7

What is the structure of red bone marrow?

Answer 7

red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets

Question 8

What is the structure of yellow bone marrow?

Answer 8

fatty, adipose cells