17. Skeletal systems II Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are ligaments?
Tough bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect bones to other bones
Provide joint stability through proper articulation
What is the primary composition of ligaments?
Dense bundles of collagen fibers organized by fibroblasts
What happens to ligaments without regular loading?
They will atrophy
What is the function of tendons?
Connect muscles to bones, transmitting force between them
What structural feature do tendons possess?
Highly organized, parallel collagen fibers with a ‘crimping’ structure
What are the viscoelastic properties of tendons used for?
Energy storage
What are the three primary types of cartilage?
- Hyaline cartilage
- Fibrocartilage
- Elastic cartilage
Where is hyaline cartilage commonly found?
Articular surfaces, ribs, nose
What is the characteristic structure of articular cartilage?
Depth-dependent organization
What are the zones of articular cartilage?
- Superficial zone
- Transitional zone
- Deep zone
- Calcified zone
What is the primary matrix composition of articular cartilage?
- Collagen type II
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aggrecan
What is the cell density like in articular cartilage?
Very low cell density (chondrocytes)
What is the turnover time of collagen in articular cartilage?
Decades
What is the growth plate also known as?
Epiphyseal cartilage
What zones are organized in the growth plate?
- Resting stem cells
- Proliferative zone
- Pre-hypertrophic zone
- Hypertrophic zone
- Calcification and blood vessel invasion zone
What do secondary ossification centers represent?
Bone formation at ends of long bones
What is the evolutionary significance of secondary ossification centers?
Adaptation to distribute mechanical loads while growing
What type of animals show evidence of secondary ossification centers?
Animals that relocated to land
What are the clinical implications of understanding growth plates?
Understanding growth disorders and limb length discrepancies
What influences skeletal system adaptation?
Genetically programmed but heavily influenced by mechanical forces
What are critical developmental windows for skeletal adaptation?
Especially adolescence
What can poor adaptation of the skeletal system lead to?
Problems like acetabular impingement in young athletes
What does understanding evolutionary adaptations provide insights for?
Clinical treatments
