Functions of the Skeletal System
This is one of the five main functions of the skeletal system, and it helps protect vital organs like the brain and heart.
What is protection?
These types of bones are longer than they are wide, such as the femur and humerus.
What are long bones?
This type of ossification is responsible for the formation of bones like the femur and tibia.
What is endochondral ossification?
This condition is characterized by weakened bones that are more prone to fractures, often due to low calcium or vitamin D.
What is osteoporosis?
This part of the appendicular skeleton includes the bones of the arms, legs, and pelvis.
What is the appendicular skeleton?
The skeletal system helps this process by providing a structure where blood cells are produced.
What is blood cell production?
The small, cube-shaped bones found in your wrist and ankle are classified as this.
What are short bones?
These cells are responsible for breaking down bone tissue during bone remodeling.
What are osteoclasts?
This is the most common type of arthritis, where the cartilage in the joints wears down.
What is osteoarthritis?
This hormone helps to lower blood calcium levels by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts.
What is calcitonin?
This function of the skeletal system allows for body movement by providing a structure for muscles to attach to.
What is movement?
This part of the bone contains the central canal and concentric lamellae.
What is the osteon?
These cells are responsible for forming new bone tissue and help in the healing process after a fracture.
What are osteoblasts?
This type of fracture occurs when a bone is crushed, often seen in the vertebrae of older adults.
What is a compression fracture?
The bones of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage make up this part of the skeleton.
What is the axial skeleton?
The skeletal system stores important minerals, including this one, which is crucial for muscle function.
What is calcium?
The main type of bone tissue found in the outer layer of bones is called this.
What is compact bone?
This hormone increases calcium levels in the blood by stimulating osteoclasts to break down bone.
What is parathyroid hormone (PTH)?
This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to bone erosion over time.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
This organ is responsible for producing calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D.
This function of the skeletal system provides the framework that supports the body's shape and weight.
What is support?
This is the spongy bone found in the ends of long bones and is important for reducing bone weight.
What is trabecular bone (or spongy bone)?
This vitamin is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines, contributing to bone health.
This condition involves the abnormal curvature of the spine, often seen in adolescents.
What is scoliosis?
This process allows bones to adjust their density based on mechanical stress, contributing to bone strength and repair.
What is bone remodeling?