Tissues (CT, Muscle, Neuro)
This connective tissue contains all three fiber types. Provide both names for it :)
Areolar & Loose
How many epidermal layers are found in thin skin? What are they specifically? Do any of them go by any other names?
Which region of a long bone is likely to contain the nutrient artery and vein?
Diaphysis/Shaft
Cranial sutures fall under the functional category of joints which are known....
Synarthroses
Dense Irregular CT - has collagen fibers irregularly arranged in all directions
While we did not explicitly cover it in class, when cholecalciferol is modified in the liver, what molecule do you think it becomes before heading to the kidney?
Calcidiol
Gigantism = hypersecretion of GH pre-puberty; Acromegaly = hypersecretion of GH post-puberty
What type of arthritis is known to commonly affect the hallux?
Gout
Glial Cells/Neuroglia
A 32-year-old firefighter sustains burns after being trapped briefly in a burning building. Examination reveals areas of the arm that are dry, leathery, as well as regions of the thigh that are red, blistered, and extremely painful. Predict which area will have a greater potential for regeneration without grafting, and explain the underlying physiological reason.
Thigh (second-degree) will heal better, as viable epithelial and dermal structures remain. The basal stem cells in accessory organs can repopulate the surface.
Arm (third-degree) typically requires skin grafting due to complete loss of regenerative structures.
Identify the four major bone cell types, and describe the specific role each plays in bone remodeling.
Osteogenic (osteoprogenitor) cells: Stem cells in periosteum/endosteum that divide to form osteoblasts.
Osteoblasts: Bone-forming cells that secrete osteoid and initiate calcification.
Osteocytes: Mature cells housed in lacunae; maintain matrix and communicate via canaliculi.
Osteoclasts: Large multinucleate cells that resorb bone using lysosomal enzymes and acids.
What are three structural classifications of joints?
Synovial, Fibrous, Collagenous
Mast
Two patients present to a dermatology clinic with noticeably different skin pigmentation.
Patient A has golden-orange palms and soles, normal hair color, and no sun sensitivity.
Patient B has pale skin, light hair, gray irises, and reports frequent sunburns even after brief exposure.
Identify the primary pigment(s) responsible for each patient’s skin coloration, and explain where in the skin each pigment accumulates.
Patient A: Excess carotene, a dietary pigment that accumulates in the stratum corneum and adipose tissue of the dermis/subcutaneous layer.
Patient B: Melanin deficiency due to genetic defect; pale skin and hair due to lack of pigment in melanocytes.
A 16-year-old track athlete reports muscle twitching, numbness in the fingertips, and occasional spasms in her hands after several weeks of excessive training and poor diet. Blood analysis shows hypocalcemia (low blood calcium). Her physician orders further tests to assess PTH and calcitonin levels.
Explain the expected PTH and calcitonin levels in this patient and how they would affect osteoclast and osteoblast activity.
Predict what would happen to blood calcium levels if the parathyroid glands were accidentally removed during thyroid surgery, and explain the physiological consequences.
With hypocalcemia, PTH levels would be elevated, and calcitonin would be suppressed.
Increased PTH enhances osteoclast activity → releases Ca²⁺ from bone
Without PTH, kidneys excrete more Ca²⁺, intestines absorb less, and bones retain Ca²⁺ → blood calcium drops dangerously low.
Compare the glenohumeral joint to a fibrous and a cartilaginous joint in terms of structure, mobility, and healing potential.
Fibrous joints (e.g., sutures): Dense CT, no joint cavity; synarthrotic (immovable). Heal well due to good vascularization.
Cartilaginous joints (e.g., symphysis): Fibrocartilage or hyaline cartilage; amphiarthrotic (slightly movable). Limited healing due to avascular cartilage.
Synovial joints (e.g., shoulder): Freely movable but most prone to injury and slowest to heal due to poor cartilage blood supply.
If a tissue were unable to regenerate, what condition would result? Also, which tissues are the worst at being able to regenerate?
A 28-year-old graphic designer notices that a small cut on her palm takes longer to heal than a similar cut she sustained on her forearm a few months earlier. Microscopic examination of skin samples from both regions shows structural differences between the two. Compare the epidermal layers present in the palm versus the forearm, and identify the unique layer responsible for the difference in appearance and texture.
Palm: Thick skin — contains all five layers (stratum basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum, corneum). The stratum lucidum is the distinguishing translucent layer found only in thick skin.
Forearm: Thin skin — lacks stratum lucidum and has a much thinner stratum corneum.
Identify and describe the structural organization of compact bone, including the roles of lamellae, lacunae, and canaliculi.
Lamellae: Concentric rings of calcified matrix arranged around a central (Haversian) canal, forming an osteon.
Lacunae: Small cavities located between lamellae, each housing a single osteocyte.
Canaliculi: Tiny channels radiating from each lacuna, allowing passage of nutrients, gases, and waste between osteocytes and blood vessels in the central canal.
Daily Double!!!
After several months indoors during winter, a 22-year-old college student develops muscle weakness and bone pain. Blood tests reveal low calcium levels and decreased vitamin D₃ concentration. Her physician notes that she rarely goes outside and uses heavy sunscreen daily.
Explain how the integumentary system and skeletal system work together to maintain calcium homeostasis and bone strength.
In your answer, describe:
The specific process in the skin that triggers this relationship,
The hormonal pathway involved, and
The physiological impact on bone tissue when this pathway is disrupted.