Anatomy and Physiology
Chapter 7: Skeletal System
Fisher
Directions: Answer these questions in your notebook.
1. List 5 functions of the bones.
Provide points of attachment for muscles, protect softer tissues, support soft tissues, house
blood-producing cells, store inorganic salts, contain passageways for blood vessels and
nerves, and shock absorption. (p. 126)
2. How is a bone an organ?
It is made up of 2 or more tissues and has a specialized function. (Ch. 5)
3. What types of tissues make up the bone?
Primarily connective (bone, blood, cartilage), but also contains nervous tissue and in
vessels is smooth muscle. (p. 126)
4. What function does articular cartilage provide?
Lessens the friction between bones and absorbs shock. (p. 126)
5. Where is articular cartilage located?
At the articulation points (where bone connects to bone). (p. 126)
6. What type of cartilage is articular cartilage?
Hyaline cartilage (white) (p. 126)
7. How are the names periosteum and endosteum descriptive of their locations?
Peri means around, En means in. The Periosteum surrounds the diaphysis, the
endosteum lines it. (p. 126)
8. How does the shape of the bone dictate its function?
Long bones make up the appendages (arms/legs), the process of one bone fits into the
depression of another bone. Grooves and openings on the bone, allow for passageways of
vessels and nerves. (p. 126)
9. Compare the structure of the diaphysis with that of the epiphysis. How do the
differences account for the functions of the two regions?
Diaphysis is primarily composed of compact bone, the epiphyses spongy. The diaphysis is
very strong and resists bending, the epiphysis is strong as well, but spongy bone
includes spaces which reduces the weight of the bone and resists compressive forces. (p.
126)
10. What structural components of the bone contribute to its strength?
Combinations of compact bone/spongy bone and periosteal fibers are continuous with the
ligaments and tendons, which helps to maintain integrity of the structure.
11. How does the microscopic structure of the bone, determine its function?
The osteocytes are in lacunae which form concentric circles around central canals.
Cellular processes pass allow for communication between osteocytes. The matrix is made
up of collagen and salts. All of this contributes to the strength of bone (circles distribute
force more evenly, collagen and salts are strong and resist bending/breaking).
12. Distinguish between lacunae, Haversian canals, Volkmann’s canals, and canaliculi.
Lacunae: bony chambers; Haversian canals: central canals; Volkmann’s canals:
transverse perforating canals that connect to central canals w/larger vessels; canaliculi:
channels that lead to the surface and between cells in the bone (osteocytes).
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modified 2/5/2016