CHAPTER 6

SKELETAL SYSTEM: BONES AND JOINTS

Components of Skeletal System

 Bones
 Tendons
 Ligaments
 Cartilages

Bones of the Skeletal System

Skeletal System Function

 Support
 Protect
 Movement
 Storage
 Blood cell production

Extracellular Matrix
 Bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments of the skeletal system are all connective
tissues.
 Their characteristics are largely determined by the composition of their
extracellular matrix.
 The matrix always contains collagen, ground substance, and other organic
molecules, as well as water and minerals.
Collagen
 is a tough, ropelike protein.
Proteoglycans
 are large molecules consisting of many polysaccharides attaching to and
encircling core proteins.
 form large aggregates and attract water.
Tendons and Ligaments
 Their extracellular matrix contains large amounts of collagen fibers, making these
structures very tough, like ropes or cables.

Cartilage Extracellular Matrix

 contains collagen and proteoglycans.
 Collagen makes cartilage tough, whereas the water-filled proteoglycans make it
smooth and resilient.
 As a result, cartilage is relatively rigid, but it springs back to its original shape
after being bent or slightly compressed.
 an excellent shock absorber.

Bone Extracellular Matrix

 contains collagen and minerals, including calcium and phosphate.
 The ropelike collagen fibers lend flexible strength to the bone.
 The mineral component gives bone compression (weight-bearing) strength.
 Most of the mineral in bone is in the form of calcium phosphate crystals called
hydroxyapatite.

Shape Classification of Bones

There are four bone shape classifications: long, short, flat, and irregular.
 Long bones are longer than they are wide; examples are upper and lower limb
bones.
 Short bones are approximately as wide as they are long; examples are the
bones of the wrist and ankle.
 Flat bones have a relatively thin, flattened shape; examples are bones of the
skull and sternum.
 Irregular bones include the vertebrae and facial bones, which have shapes
that do not fit readily into the other three categories.
 Long Bone Structures

Diaphysis
 Shaft
 Compact bone tissue
(outside)

Epiphysis
 Ends spongy bone tissue

Articular Cartilage
 Covers epiphysis
 Reduces friction