PROBING ORAL QUESTIONS
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. What is the difference between the functions of the osteoblasts and osteoclasts?
Osteoclasts are cells that break down these specialized organs (bones.) Osteoblasts are cells that form
these specialized organs (bones.)
2. Compact bone and spongy bone have completely different structures. This is because they have
different functions. Explain the differences.
Spongy Bone: Spongy bone is located towards the end of long bones like your thigh and upper arm. Spongy bone has many
small open spaces that make the bones lightweight. In the center of long bones are large opening called cavities. These
cavities and spaces in spongy bone are filled with marrow. Some marrow is yellow and is made f fat cells. Red marrow
produces red blood cells at a rate of 2-3 million per second.
Compact Bone: This is located directly under the periosteum. Calcium and phosphate components make compact strong.
Bone cells and blood vessels are found in this layer. Compact bone is arranged in circular structures called the Haversian
system. This system consists of tiny connected channels through which blood vessels and nerve fibers pass.
3.
Describe the four types of joints and give examples of each.
Ball and Socket: This a ball with a rounded end that fits in the cavity of another bone. Swinging arms and legs in any
direction is an example of this motion.
Hinge: This joint has a smaller range and has a back and forth motion like a door. These joints are found in elbows, knees
and fingers.
Gliding: This joint is where one part of the bone slides over another and they also move back and forth. They are found in
wrists ankles and in between vertebrae
Pivot: One bone rotates in a ring of another bone that does not move. Turning your head is an example.
4. Explain how the form and function of muscle cells varies.
Skeletal muscles: these are muscles that move bones. Cardiac muscle: These type of muscles are found
only in the heart. The cardiac muscle is striated and it contracts about 70 times per minute every day all
day. Smooth muscle: These muscles are found in the intestines, bladder, blood vessels and other
internal organs. They are non-striated and they contract and relax slowly.
5. Temperature control is critical to the health of our bodies. Explain the relationship of the muscular and skeletal
system and how they contribute to controlling temperature for the purpose of homeostasis.
As the muscle contracts the chemical energy is then change to mechanical energy (movement) and then to
thermal energy (heat.) Maintaining a consistent body temperature is critical to the maintenance of homeostasis
in the human body. If the body temperature needs to be lowered heat is released from the body in the form of
sweat. If the body is to cold, the muscles shiver to generate body heat.
6.
Describe the processes that occur in the periosteum and how they contribute to homeostasis.
Blood vessels contained within the periosteum carry nutrients to the bone. Calcium and phosphate are
components that make compact bones strong. Cells involved in the growth and repair of bones are also
found in the periosteum. Growth and repair is also necessary for homeostasis.