Robbins 9th ed - Chapter 26 - Bones, Joints - Basic Structure and Function of Bone

Question 1

Bone is made up of a cellular component (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes) and an extra-cellular component (matrix). What are the two major parts of the matrix?

Answer 1

Osteoid (organic component - 35% - largely type I collagen) 
Mineral component (65%)

Question 2

Woven bone and Lamellar bone are two different types of _______ ?

Answer 2

Bone matrix formation.

Question 3

What are the key differences between woven bone and lamellar bone?

Answer 3

Woven bone is more cellular and disorganized than lamellar bone. Woven bone is produced more rapidly, as in fetal development or in fracture repair.

Question 4

What is the key role of osteoblasts?

Answer 4

They synthesize, transport, and assemble the matrix, and they regulate its mineralization.

Question 5

Describe an osteocyte.

Answer 5

These are cells with long dendritic cytoplasmic processes that form interconnecting tunnels called cannaliculi.

Question 6

Describe an osteoclast.

Answer 6

These are specialized macrophages of the bone that are responsible for bone resorption.

Question 7

Describe the relative location of each of these three major compartments of bone: spongy bone, compact bone, medullary cavity.

Answer 7

Compact bone is the outer-most layer.
Medullary cavity is the inner-most compartment.
Spongy bone (also called cancellous bone or trabecular bone) is between these two.