BIOL 3307

Advanced Anatomy & Physiology

Iain McKinnell
Dept. of Biology

Unit 1 Module 1 – Skeletal Basics

Introduction to the Skeletal System
Chapters 4.10 - 4.14 & 6.1 - 6.3
Skeletal Basics – Learning Outcomes…

• Describe the major functional properties of the skeletal system.

• Describe the characteristics and distribution of connective
tissues
• Identify the divisions of the skeleton, and the classifications of
the bone types.
• Compare the anatomical and functional properties of cartilage
and bone
Functions of the skeletal system
• Support & protection
◦ Framework for the attachment of soft tissues
◦ Delicate tissues are surrounded by bone
• Mineral storage
◦ Calcium and phosphate
• Blood cell production
◦ All formed elements (cells and platelets) of blood come
from the bone marrow

• Leverage
◦ Bones act as levers, together with muscles to produce
range of movements
Connective Tissues
• Connective tissues
◦ All share three basic components
1. Specialized cells (‘stationary’ & ‘wandering’)
2. Extracellular protein fibers (collagens, laminins, etc.)
3. Ground substance
◦ H2O & Organic molecules (proteoglycans & glycoproteins).
◦ May be fluid/semi-fluid, rubbery/gelatinous, crystalline.

◦ Extracellular fibers and ground substance make up matrix that

surrounds cells
◦ Fewer cells and more extracellular material compared to
epithelial tissue
Connective Tissues
 Connective tissue proper
• Loose (fibers create an
open framework)
◦ Areolar tissue
◦ Fixed cells e.g.
melanocytes,
macrophages, mast cells,
fibroblasts, adipocytes
◦ Wandering cells e.g.
lymphocytes,
macrophages, neutrophils,
plasma
◦ Mesenchymal stem cells
(MSCs)
◦ Fiber types – reticular,
collagen, elastic
◦ Amorphous, gel like
ground substance
Connective tissue proper
• Loose (fibers create an
open framework)
◦ Adipose tissue
◦ Bulk of the cells are
adipocytes
◦ high concentration of
MSCs.

◦ Reticular tissue
◦ Reticular fibers form the
mesh-like stroma
◦ Found in specific locations
◦ e.g. liver, kidney, spleen
and bone marrow
Dense Connective Tissues
Collagen
fiber

Fibroblast
nuclei

LM x 440

Dense regular connective tissue in a tendon from the triceps muscle

Collagen
fiber
bundles

LM x 111

Dense irregular connective tissue from the dermis

Elastic
fibers

Fibroblast
nuclei

LM x 887

Elastic tissue from a ligament between vertebrae

Connective Tissues
Cartilage
• Cartilage
◦ Matrix is firm gel containing
polysaccharides (chondroitin
sulfates [chondros, cartilage])
◦ Forms complexes with proteins
producing proteoglycans
◦ Cells (chondrocytes)
◦ Only cells in cartilage matrix
◦ Occupy small chambers (lacunae
[lacus, lake])
Cartilage
Chondrocytes
in lacunae

Matrix

LM x 500

Hyaline cartilage from shoulder joint

Chondrocyte
in lacuna

Elastic fibers
in matrix
LM x 358

Elastic cartilage from external ear

Collagen
fibers in
matrix

Chondrocytes

LM x 400
Fibrous cartilage from intervertebral disc
Cartilage – the perichondrium

Perichondrium

• Two layers comprise the

perichondrium
◦ Outer fibrous layer
◦ Inner cellular/
chondrogenic layer
The bones of the skeletal system

• Skeletal system components

◦ Bones (206 total)
◦ Divisions
1. Axial skeleton (80 bones)
◦ Bones of skull, thorax, and
vertebral column
◦ Form longitudinal axis of body
2. Appendicular skeleton (126 bones)
◦ Bones of the limbs and girdles that
attach them to the axial skeleton
Bone classification
A key bone feature - vasculature
Bone tissue
 Osseous tissue (os, bone) structure
• Bone matrix
◦ Small volume of ground substance
◦ Hydroxyapatite accounts for ~2/3 bone
weight
◦ Calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) interacts with
calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) to form crystals of
(Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) salts
◦ Incorporates other salts (calcium carbonate,
CaCO3) and ions (Na+, Mg2+, F−)
◦ Provides strength

◦ Collagen fibers account for ~1/3 bone weight

◦ Provide flexibility
Bone – basic structure
A comparison of cartilage and bone
 End of class - what should we be able to do?

• Identify which connective tissues store fats, which function as

part of the immune system, and which cells secrete fibers and
ground substance.
• Compare the type of cartilage found in the ear versus the
intervertebral discs.
• Differentiate the function of red and yellow bone marrow.
• Compare and contrast the appearance, location and function of
compact versus spongy bone.
• Describe where the epiphysis and diaphysis are located in a
long bone, and where the nutrient artery enters.