Bone Tissues and the Skeletal System

Bone Tissues and the Skeletal System

After studying this chapter, readers should be able to:

1. Discuss the major functions of bones.

2. Discuss bone classifications and give examples of each.

3. Distinguish between the axial and appendicular skeletons.

4. Identify the major features of the bones that compose the thoracic cage and the upper limbs.

5. Distinguish the major parts of a long bone.

6. List the substances normally stored in bone tissue.

7. Name each of the bones of the cranium.

8. Explain how the structures of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae differ.

9. Name each of the bones of the lower limbs.

10. List the bones of the ankle and identify the largest of these.

Overview

The skeletal system is made up of bone tissue, cartilage, blood, dense connective tissue, and nervous tissue. Bones function in many different ways and are made up of living tissue. Bones attach to muscles, protect softer tissues, contain cells that produce blood, store salts, and form blood vessels and nerve passageways. Bones support the weight of the body and also work with muscles to maintain body position and control precise movements. Muscle fibers could not make the body sit, walk, run, or stand if there was no skeleton to pull against.