Skeletal System Flashcards
What are the different types of bone tissue, and what is their function?
The different types of bone tissue are compact bone and spongy bone. Compact bone tissue provides strength and support to the skeletal system, while spongy bone tissue is more porous and helps reduce the weight of bones.
How do bones repair and remodel themselves after an injury?
Bones repair and remodel themselves through a process called bone remodelling. This involves the removal of damaged bone tissue by cells called osteoclasts, followed by the formation of new bone tissue by cells called osteoblasts.
What are the major bones of the axial and appendicular skeletons, and what are their functions?
The major bones of the axial skeleton include the skull, vertebrae, and rib cage, which provide support and protection for the body’s organs. The major bones of the appendicular skeleton include the bones of the arms, legs, and pelvis, which are involved in movement and locomotion.
What is the role of cartilage in the skeletal system, and how does it differ from bone tissue?
Cartilage plays an important role in the skeletal system by providing a smooth surface for joint movement and acting as a shock absorber. Cartilage differs from bone tissue in that it is more flexible and contains less mineral content.
What are the different types of joints in the body, and what are their functions?
The different types of joints in the body include fibrous joints, cartilaginous joints, and synovial joints. Fibrous joints provide stability and minimal movement, cartilaginous joints allow for limited movement, and synovial joints are highly movable and allow for a wide range of movements.
How do skeletal muscles attach to bones, and what is their role in movement and stability?
Skeletal muscles attach to bones through tendons and play a critical role in movement and stability. When a skeletal muscle contracts, it pulls on the bone to which it is attached, causing movement at the joint.
What is the relationship between calcium and bone health, and how is calcium regulated in the body?
Calcium plays a vital role in bone health, as it is the main mineral component of bone tissue. Calcium is regulated in the body through a complex interplay of hormones, including parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin.
What is osteoarthritis, and what are the common risk factors and treatments?
Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that results from the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include aging, obesity, and joint injuries. Treatments for osteoarthritis include physical therapy, medication, and joint replacement surgery.
How do hormones such as growth hormone and oestrogen affect bone growth and density?
Growth hormone and oestrogen play important roles in bone growth and density. Growth hormone stimulates the production of bone tissue, while oestrogen helps regulate bone remodelling and reduces bone loss.
What are the common imaging techniques used to diagnose and monitor bone and joint disorders?
Common imaging techniques used to diagnose and monitor bone and joint disorders include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound.
What is the molecular composition of bone tissue?
The molecular composition of bone tissue includes collagen, proteoglycans, and mineral crystals such as hydroxyapatite. Collagen provides flexibility and strength, while hydroxyapatite provides rigidity and hardness.
How do osteoblasts and osteoclasts work together to maintain bone density?
Osteoblasts are bone-building cells that deposit new bone tissue, while osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells that break down old or damaged bone tissue. Together, they maintain bone density through a process called bone remodelling.
What role do collagen and hydroxyapatite play in the structure and function of bone tissue?
Collagen and hydroxyapatite work together to form the structure and function of bone tissue. Collagen provides a flexible scaffold for bone tissue, while hydroxyapatite provides the rigidity and hardness that give bone its strength.
How do hormones such as parathyroid hormone and calcitonin regulate bone metabolism at the molecular level?
Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin are hormones that regulate bone metabolism at the molecular level. Parathyroid hormone increases the release of calcium from bone tissue into the bloodstream, while calcitonin decreases the release of calcium from bone tissue.
What is the role of osteocytes in maintaining bone health and responding to mechanical stress?
Osteocytes are mature bone cells that play a key role in maintaining bone health. They respond to mechanical stress by regulating bone remodelling and depositing or resorbing bone tissue as needed.
How do chondrocytes and extracellular matrix contribute to the function of cartilage in the joints?
Chondrocytes are cells that produce and maintain the extracellular matrix of cartilage. The extracellular matrix provides cushioning and shock absorption in joints, while chondrocytes play a role in maintaining the health and function of cartilage.
What molecular mechanisms are involved in the development and maintenance of synovial fluid in the joints?
The development and maintenance of synovial fluid in the joints is regulated by molecular mechanisms such as the production of hyaluronic acid by synoviocytes and the action of enzymes that break down and recycle old synovial fluid. These processes help to maintain the lubrication and shock-absorbing properties of synovial fluid in the joints.
What is the role of cytokines and growth factors in bone remodelling and repair after injury?
They regulate the recruitment, differentiation, and activity of bone cells such as osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone formation and resorption. In the early stages of bone healing, cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are released by inflammatory cells. These cytokines stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocytes, which form a cartilage callus around the fracture site. As the healing process continues, growth factors such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are secreted by the cartilage and surrounding tissues. These factors promote the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts, which deposit new bone matrix and gradually replace the cartilage callus with new bone tissue. Help to maintain bone density.
What is the role of osteoblasts in bone tissue?
Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells that play a crucial role in bone tissue by secreting a matrix of collagen and minerals to form new bone tissue.
What minerals are secreted by osteoblasts to form new bone tissue?
Osteoblasts secrete minerals such as calcium and phosphorus to form new bone tissue.
What is the function of osteocytes in maintaining bone tissue?
Osteocytes are mature bone cells that help maintain the bone tissue by communicating with other cells, regulating mineral exchange, and detecting mechanical stress.
How do osteocytes communicate with other cells in the bone tissue?
Osteocytes communicate with other cells in the bone tissue through a network of tiny channels called canaliculi, which allow for the exchange of nutrients and waste products.
What is the role of osteoclasts in bone remodelling?
Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells that break down and absorb bone tissue. They are important for bone remodelling by removing old or damaged bone tissue and making way for new bone formation.
What is bone remodelling, and why is it important?
Bone remodelling is the process of breaking down and rebuilding bone tissue. It is important for maintaining bone density and strength, repairing damage, and responding to mechanical stress.
