Bone Physiology Practice

Front

What are canaliculi?

Back

Canaliculi are small channels in bone that connect lacunae, allowing for communication and nutrient exchange between osteocytes.

Front

What are lacunae?

Back

Lacunae are small cavities in bone that house osteocytes, the mature bone cells responsible for maintaining bone tissue.

Front

What are central (Haversian) canals?

Back

Central (Haversian) canals are the central channels in osteons that contain blood vessels and nerves, providing nutrients and signaling to bone cells.

Front

What are osteocytes?

Back

Osteocytes are mature bone cells located within lacunae that maintain bone tissue and communicate with other bone cells through canaliculi.

Front

What is the medullary cavity?

Back

The medullary cavity is the central cavity of long bones where yellow bone marrow is stored, playing a role in fat storage and blood cell production.

Front

What is the diaphysis?

Back

The diaphysis is the long, tubular shaft of a long bone, primarily composed of compact bone and containing the medullary cavity.

Front

What is the epiphysis?

Back

The epiphysis is the end part of a long bone, which is typically wider than the shaft and contains spongy bone and red marrow.

Front

What are osteons?

Back

Osteons, or Haversian systems, are the structural units of compact bone, consisting of concentric layers of bone matrix surrounding a central canal.

Front

What are osteoblasts?

Back

Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells that synthesize and secrete the bone matrix, playing a crucial role in bone growth and repair.

Front

What are osteoclasts?

Back

Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells that break down bone tissue, playing a key role in bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis.