A&P 1 STUDY GUIDE EXAM 3

(CH 6)
This is to only serve as a study aid for the exam, do not rely solely on this guide to
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Chapter 6

1) What are the components of the skeletal system?

The skeletal system is composed of four main fibrous and mineralized connective
tissues,  bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints.

2) Identify at least 5 major functions of bone

 Producing your blood cells
 Storing and releasing fat
 Storing and releasing minerals
 Protecting your blood cells
 Supporting your body and helping you move

3) Describe the composition of the bone matrix?

The bone matrix is that part of the bone tissue and forms most of the mass of the bone. It is
comprised of organic and inorganic substances.  The organic component of the bone matrix
includes the collagen and ground substance whereas the inorganic component is the
inorganic bone salts, mainly the hydroxyapatite.

4) What is the importance of hydroxyapatite and where is it found?

Hydroxyapatite (HA or HAP) of biologic (coral-, bovine- or marine algae-derived) or
synthetic origin are currently used for bone repair and bone regeneration in the form of
granules, blocks and scaffolds, by itself or as composite with polymers or other ceramics or
as coatings on orthopedic or dental implants.

5) Describe the functions of the following bone cells in your own words:
a. Osteoblasts:
b. Osteocytes:
c. Osteoprogenitor cells:
d. Osteoclasts:
 6) What are the different classifications of bone?

There are four different types of bone in the human body:

 Long bone – has a long, thin shape. ... 
 Short bone – has a squat, cubed shape. ... 
 Flat bone – has a flattened, broad surface. ... 
 Irregular bone – has a shape that does not conform to the above three types.

7) Describe in detail the structure of a typical long bone. (This will be quite long)
A long bone is  a bone that has a shaft and 2 ends and is longer than it is wide. Long bones
have a thick outside layer of compact bone and an inner medullary cavity containing bone
marrow. The ends of a long bone contain spongy bone and an epiphyseal line.

8) Explain the structures of compact vs spongy bone. What are their similarities and
differences?
Spongy and compact bones are two basic structural bone types. They make up the long bones
in the body. Long bones are dense hard bones that provide strength, structure and mobility.

9) Explain the difference between red bone marrow and yellow bone marrow?
Red bone marrow is the bone marrow that produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets while the yellow bone marrow produces fat cells.
Red bone marrow helps the body in its everyday functions while the yellow bone marrow
helps the body survive extreme cases of hunger and blood loss.
10) Describe in great detail the process of intramembranous ossification.
Intramembranous ossification involves the replacement of sheet-like connective tissue
membranes with bony tissue. Bones formed in this manner are called intramembranous
bones. They include certain flat bones of the skull and some of the irregular bones. The
future bones are first formed as connective tissue membranes.

11) Explain in great detail the process of endochondral ossification.

Endochondral ossification is the process by which growing cartilage is systematically
replaced by bone to form the growing skeleton. This process occurs at three main sites: the
physis, the epiphysis, and the cuboidal bones of the carpus and tarsus.

12) Explain the process of bone growth (both interstitial and appositional). How are they
similar, how are they different?
In endochondral ossification, bone develops by replacing hyaline cartilage. Activity in the epiphyseal
plate enables bones to grow in length (this is interstitial growth).  Appositional growth allows bones to
grow in diameter. Remodeling occurs as bone is resorbed and replaced by new bone.

13) Explain both dietary and hormonal factors that affect bone growth. (at least 5 components)
Diets are primarily comprised of macronutrients, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. In many
instances, how these macronutrients affect bone health reflects their ability to alter calcium
metabolism and, subsequently, skeletal homeostasis.

14) What are the sex hormones that play a role in bone growth and how can we use that
knowledge to differentiate between a male and female pelvic bone?
Testosterone is important for skeletal growth both because of its direct effects on bone and
its ability to stimulate muscle growth, which puts greater stress on the bone and thus
increases bone formation. Testosterone is also a source of estrogen in the body; it is
converted into estrogen in fat cells.

15) How do parathyroid and calcitonin hormones help maintain bone integrity? What does
each do and what are their effects on skeletal tissue?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) are two peptide hormones that play
important roles in calcium homeostasis through their actions on osteoblasts (bone forming
cells) and osteoclasts (bone resorbing cells), respectively.