Chapter 8.

4 – Overview of the skeletal system

Functions of the skeleton, types of bone and Structure of Bone
Describe six (6) functions of bone:
1. movement provides surface for attachment of muscles and therefore articulation (appendicular)

2. shape

3. support

4. protection

5. production

6. storage

Identify and outline the function of the five different types of bone.

1. flat bone à protects internal organs

2. irregular bone à variable nature helps to protect different structures

3. long bone

4. sesamoid bone

5. short bone

A typical long bone consists of:

Structure Description &/or function
diaphysis the long shaft making up the main portion of bone. When the bone is cut
lengthwise, the diaphysis is seen to be a hollow cylinder of compact bone
surrounding a medullary cavity.
Two epiphyses (epiphysis the enlarged ends of the bone which is covered with a thin layer of cartilage
singular) (articular).it has thin layer of compact bone on the outside, but their central
regions contain “spongy” or “cancellous” bone.
Cancellous bone à is more porous than compact bone, and contains many
large spaces filled with marrow.
“spongy” à In certain bones, this may be, “red bone marrow”, where blood cell
production takes place.
(Medullary cavity) Used as a fat storage site. Often called “yellow bone marrow” cavity. found in
diaphysis.

There are two types of bone tissue: 1) c___________ and (2) s______ or cancellous.

What is the function of each type of bone?

compact bone à hard, dense, provides structure and support
spongy bone à contain red bone marrow

Distinguish between yellow and red bone marrow.

red bone marrow is where blood cells production takes place
yellow bone marrow Is where fat is stored. energy reserve

NS 2021
What is the periosteum?
the dense, white, fibrous outer covering of the bone. (expect articular cartilage location).
mainly collagen (protein)
helps to protect and repair bone (have osteoblasts in inner lining)

Where is the periosteum absent?

It is absent at the joints, where the bone is covered with an articular cartilage.

What covers the epiphyses instead?

the articular cartilage à covers end of epiphysis. very smooth to reduce friction. less wear and tear between
bone surfaces

Label the diagram of the long bone shown below. See p 208

Why is bone considered connective tissue?

Connective tissue consists of cells separated from each other by large amounts of non-cellular material called
MATRIX.
In bone, inorganic salts of calcium and phosphate are deposited in the matrix.

Describe the matrixà non-cellular material between cells of a tissue calcium and phosphate salts, and
collagen (protein)

How does the composition of the matrix assist in one of the functions of bone?
Increases rigidity and strength, also, stores minerals. supply of minerals.

Microscopic structure of bone

What type of tissue type is bone?
Describe the matrix component of bone and outline its function.

What is the name of the microscopic structural units making up bone? (Hint: 2 possible names)
__________________________________. These make up both types of bone tissue.

Each osteon consists of several structures.

Label the diagram of compact bone à

NS 2021
Complete the table describing the function of each structure.

Structure Description and function

Central canal
or Haversian
canal

Lamellae

Lacunae

Osteocyte

Canaliculi

In compact bone, osteons run p________ along the l______ of the bone, providing s____________.
NB: Osteocytes can be: osteoblasts (bone building cells) or osteoclasts (bone destroying cells) –
these make the tiny passageways within the matrix of bone

Spongy bone: consists of _______________:

i___________ arrangements of t____ bony
p_______.
Bone cells present but the l__________ are not
in concentric layers.
N_________, b_______ vessels and l_______
capillaries pass through these spaces.

NS 2021