Table 7-4 Vitamins Affecting Skeletal Development

Question 0

Hypervitaminosis A

Answer 0

Erosion of cartilage columns without increases of cells in prolifeeration zone; epiphyseal plates may become obliterated, ceasing growth prematurely

Question 1

Vitamin A deficiency

Answer 1

Inhibits proper bone formation as coordination of osteoblasts and osteoclasts activities fails; failure of resorption and remodeling of cranial vault to accommodate the brain results in serious damage to the central nervous system

Question 2

Vitamin C deficiency

Answer 2

Mesenchymal tissue is affected because connective tissue is unable to produce and maintain extracellular matrix; deficient production of collagen and bone matrix results in retarded growth and delayed healing (scurvy)

Question 3

Vitamin D deficienty

Answer 3

Ossification of epiphyseal cartilages is disturbed; cells become disordered at metaphysis, leading to poorly calcified bones, which become deformed by weight bearing (in children, termed rickets, in adults, ostemalacia)