1. A 12-year-old boy fell while playing basketball.

The physician explained that the head

(epiphysis) of the femur was separated from the shaft (diaphysis). Although the bone was
set properly, by the time the boy was 16, it was apparent that the injured lower limb was
shorter than the normal one. Explain why this difference occurred.

- Bone growth occurs in epiphysis and epiphyseal plate damage can be the cause of
shortened limb. Since the epiphysis was separated from the diaphysis, his femur did not
grow in a normal manner because of the damage.

2. A patient has hyperparathyroidism because of a tumor in the parathyroid gland that

produces excessive amounts of PTH. What effect does this hormone have on bone? What do
you think will happen to the patient?

- PTH increases resorption of bones. When PTH level in blood increases, the Ca 2+ level also
increases because of bone resorption. As a result, the bone of the patient will become
soft, brittle and be easily broken or fractured.

3. In some cultures, eunuchs were responsible for guarding harems, which are the collective
wives of one male. Eunuchs are males who were castrated as boys. Castration removes the
testes, the major site of testosterone production in males. Because testosterone is
responsible for the sex drive in males, the reason for castration is obvious. However, as a
side effect of this procedure, the eunuchs grew to above-normal heights. Can you explain
why?

- This hormone usually causes a growth increase at puberty, followed by slower growth
and closure of the epiphyseal plate. Since this castration removes the testes, there will
be no testosterone production anymore and without testosterone, growth is slower but
proceeds longer, resulting in a taller than normal person.

4. Following a severe spinal cord injury in the lumbar region, the voluntary muscles of the legs
and hips will be paralyzed. Describe the effects of paralysis on the skeleton.

- Paralysis makes the voluntary muscles of the legs and hips unmovable. This makes the
skeletal bones inactive that will weaken them as the normal calcium resorption and
absorption gets affected as well. This will eventually lead to the bending of bones (just
like in the ppt of the bone matrix w/o mineral) and higher risk of bone fracture or injury.

5. Why do astronauts lose bone mass when they’re in space? Suggest a way to slow down the
loss of bone tissue.

- Bone loss occurs in space because bones no longer have to support the body against

gravity. On Earth, gravity applies a constant mechanical load to the  skeletal system, that
causes healthy bones to maintain a certain density so that they are able to support the
body. To slow down the loss of bone tissue, it is suggested to ensure the stable supply of
calcium and vitamin D in the body like consuming food rich with those vitamin and
mineral as vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of calcium in small intestines.
6. A direct blow to the nose may result in a “broken nose.” List the bones most likely to be
broken.

- Nasal bones
- Ethmoid and vomer bones (bones that form the nasal septum, perpendicular plate of
ethmoid)
- Inferior nasal conchae
- Maxillae bones could also be involved

7. Justin Time leaped from his hotel room to avoid burning to death in a fire. If he landed on his
heels, what bone was likely fractured?

- Calcaneus

8. Unfortunately for Justin, a 240-lb firefighter ran by and stepped heavily on the proximal part
of Justin’s foot (not the toes). What bones could have been broken?

- Metatarsals

9. Suppose archaeologists discover human skeletal remains in Ethiopia. Examination of the

bones suggests that the remains represent four types of individuals. Two of the skeletons
have bone densities that are 30% less than those of the other two skeletons. The skeletons
with the lower bone mass also have broader front pelvic bones. Within the two groups
defined by bone mass, smaller skeletons have bones with evidence of epiphyseal plates, but
larger bones have only a thin line where the epiphyseal plates should be. Give the age group
and gender of the individuals in this find.

- Smaller skeletons that have bones with evidence of epiphyseal plates, have lesser bone
densities and broader pelvic bones are young females. The skeletons that have greater
bone densities and have closed epiphyseal plates are adult males.