What are the main functions of bones in the human body?

Bones serve several critical roles: they provide structural support and protection for organs like the brain and heart, act as levers for movement, house bone marrow for blood cell production, and store minerals like calcium and phosphate.

How are bones classified based on their shape?

Bones are categorized by shape into several types: long bones (e.g., femur, humerus), short bones (e.g., carpals, tarsals), flat bones (e.g., scapula, cranial vault), irregular bones (e.g., vertebrae), pneumatic bones (e.g., maxilla with sinus), sesamoid bones (e.g., patella), and accessory bones (e.g., sutural bones).

What are the key cells involved in bone structure and remodeling?

Bone tissue includes three main cell types: osteoblasts that form bone matrix, osteocytes that maintain it, and osteoclasts that resorb bone during remodeling processes.

How do bones grow in length and diameter?

Bone growth in length occurs at the epiphyseal plate through zones of resting, proliferation, hypertrophy, and calcification. Growth in diameter happens via appositional growth under the periosteum, where new bone is added to the surface.

What are the steps involved in bone fracture repair?

Fracture repair follows a sequence: hematoma formation, fibrocartilage callus formation, bony callus formation by osteoblasts, replacement with lamellar bone, and remodeling to restore the original structure.

What is the difference between compact and spongy bone?

Compact bone is dense and organized into osteons or haversian systems, providing strength. Spongy bone has a trabecular structure with marrow-filled spaces, offering lightweight support and flexibility.

What are some common clinical conditions related to bones?

Common bone disorders include osteomyelitis (infection often in growing bones), Paget's disease (excessive remodeling leading to weak bones), and achondroplasia (dwarfism from defective endochondral ossification).

Bone Anatomy – Structure, Types & Functions

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