Bone Tissue
Brianna Reeves
Structure and Function
Bone structure can be organized in two categories:
1. Compact:
- noticeably smooth, dense, and homogeneous
- provides support and protection
- consists of osteons
2. Spongy:
- looks like flat or needle-like pieces
- thin bone layers called trabeculae make up this type of bone (no osteons) and have red bone marrow between the spaces
The 6 Functions:
- support
- protection
- assistance in movement
- mineral homeostasis (storage and release)
- production of blood cells
- storage of chemical energy
How do bone structure and function collaborate?
- Through the establishment of long and short bones
- Long bones: compact and spongy bone structure aids in shaping the body as well as providing movement when working with muscles
- Short bones: their cube-like shape helps with movement without needs of support
Where can bone tissue be found?
Considering bones are necessary for many bodily functions, they can be found practically everywhere. Some specific locations are:
- the head (cranium)- helps to protect brain
- the kneecap (patella)- helps to join the femur to the tibia thus assisting in walking, running, or other physical activities.
- metacarpal bones (phalanges/ fingers)- help with hand movement, support, and shape.
Bone Tissue in various Organ Systems
Nervous System
- the nervous system is commonly protected by bone tissue (such as the brain)
- nerves in bone are commonly found around blood vessels
Skeletal System
- bones provide the framework of our entire body
- bones of this system help to protect internal organs
Lymphatic System
- the red bone marrow found within spongy bone can assist by producing white blood cells needed to fight infection
Fun Fact: Bones make up 18% of human body weight
Additional components that support bone tissue
- osteoblasts: bone-forming cells
- osteon: repeating units that make up compact bone; made up of a matrix consisting of: calcium, magnesium, and phosphate ions
- trabeculae: thin bone columns making up spongy bone; bone cells of these columns receive nourishment as blood passes over the cavity
Citations
- Bones and Bone tissue [Internet]. 2012. Augusta(GA):Augusta Tech; [2012, cited 2014 March 10] . Available from: http://www.augustatech.edu/anatomy/chapter%206.html
- Cancer of the Bone and Connective Tissue [Internet]. 2012. Summit Medical Group; [2013, cited 2014 March 11] . Available from: http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_care/ac-cabone_dx/
- Functions Of Protective Bone Around The Central Nervous System [Internet]. 2012. (MO):Rocketswag.com; [2012, cited 2014 March 11] . Available from: http://www.rocketswag.com/medicine/anatomy/nervous-system/human-nervous-system/central-nervous-system/Functions-Of-Protective-Bone-Around-The-Central-Nervous-System.html
- García-Castellano J, Díaz-Herrera P. 2000. Is Bone a Target-Tissue for the Nervous System? [Internet].(IA):Iowa Orthopedic Journal; [2000, cited 2014 March 10] . Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1888751/
- Human Bone Structure [Internet]. 2010 May 16. Marium-Webster Inc. ; [2014, cited 2014 March 11] . Available from: http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Ceramics/Sci-Media/Images/Human-bone-structure
- Normal Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System [Internet]. 1995. Cleveland (OH):Cleveland Clinic; [2013 Oct 31, cited 2014 Marchc10] . Available from: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/anatomy/musculoskeletal_system/hic_normal_structure_and_function_of_the_musculoskeletal_system.aspx
- Osteon [Internet]. 2011. Wikipedia; [2014 March 2, cited 2014 March 11] . Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteon
- Structure and Function of Bone Tissue [Internet]. 2003. Ivy Rose ; [2013, cited 2014 March 10] . Available from: http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBody/Tissue/Tissue_Bone-Tissue.php
- Taylor T. 1999. Immune and Lymphatic System [Internet].How to Media Inc.; [2013, cited 2014 March 11] . Available from: http://www.innerbody.com/image/lympov.html
- Your Immune System [Internet]. 2012. Atlanta(GA):Center for Disease Control and Prevention; [2012 June 5, cited 2014 March 11] . Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/bam/diseases/immune/immunesys.html