BIOS251 WEEK 6 SKELETAL SYSTEM WORKSHEET LATEST
REVIEW 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Part A: General Functions of the Skeletal System
1. What are the six functions of the skeletal system?
i. Support: limb bones and vertebrae bones support the body, the jawbone supports teeth,
and some bones support the viscera.
ii. Protection: brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, etc.
iii. Movement: limb movement, breathing, and other movements depend on bone.
iv. Storage and release of minerals: calcium and phosphate levels.
v. Triglyceride storage: yellow bone marrow comprised of adipocytes in the medullary cavity.
vi. Blood formation: red bone marrow is the main producer of RBC.
Part B: Structural Components – Microscopic Anatomy
1. Bone is classified as what type of tissue?
Bone is classified as connective tissue.
2. What is the extracellular matrix made of in bone?
The ECM of bone is made up of organic matter: collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and
glycoproteins, as well as inorganic matter: hydroxyapatite (crystallized calcium phosphate salt,
85%), calcium carbonate (10%), and fluoride, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
3. What are the four principal types of cells in bone tissue and what are their functions?
i. Osteogenic cells: stem cells found in the endosteum and inner layer of periosteum. Gives
rise to most other bone cell types.
ii. Osteoblasts: bone-forming cells, synthesize soft organic matter of matrix, which then
hardens by mineral deposition. Secretes osteocalcin.
iii. Osteocytes: mature bone cells, former osteoblasts that have become trapped in the matrix
they deposited.
iv. Osteoclasts: bone-dissolving cells found on the bone surface. Dissolve bone as part of bone
remodeling.
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, 4. What are the two types of bone and what are some features of each type?
The two types of bones are compact and spongy bones. Compact bone is the dense outer shell of
bone, and spongy bone is loosely organized bone tissue found in the center of the ends and center of
shafts of long bones.
Part C: Structural Components – Gross Anatomy
1. Define the following terms:
Tendons: dense regular CT that connects bone to muscle.
Ligaments: dense regular CT that connects bone to bone at the joints.
2. What is a sutural bone?
A sutural bone is a bone that grows within the closing suture of the infant-to-toddler skull.
3. Match the following part of a long bone with the correct definition:
Dense fibrous CT surrounding the outside of the
Articular cartilage
diaphysis
Epiphysis A thin layer of CT lining the medullary cavity
Contains the epiphyseal growth plate
Metaphysis
The shaft of the bone, typically made of compact bone
Diaphysis
Endosteum Found on the outside of the epiphysis and forms the
joints of the bone
Periosteum
Proximal and distal ends of the long bone
Page 2 of 10
REVIEW 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Part A: General Functions of the Skeletal System
1. What are the six functions of the skeletal system?
i. Support: limb bones and vertebrae bones support the body, the jawbone supports teeth,
and some bones support the viscera.
ii. Protection: brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, etc.
iii. Movement: limb movement, breathing, and other movements depend on bone.
iv. Storage and release of minerals: calcium and phosphate levels.
v. Triglyceride storage: yellow bone marrow comprised of adipocytes in the medullary cavity.
vi. Blood formation: red bone marrow is the main producer of RBC.
Part B: Structural Components – Microscopic Anatomy
1. Bone is classified as what type of tissue?
Bone is classified as connective tissue.
2. What is the extracellular matrix made of in bone?
The ECM of bone is made up of organic matter: collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and
glycoproteins, as well as inorganic matter: hydroxyapatite (crystallized calcium phosphate salt,
85%), calcium carbonate (10%), and fluoride, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
3. What are the four principal types of cells in bone tissue and what are their functions?
i. Osteogenic cells: stem cells found in the endosteum and inner layer of periosteum. Gives
rise to most other bone cell types.
ii. Osteoblasts: bone-forming cells, synthesize soft organic matter of matrix, which then
hardens by mineral deposition. Secretes osteocalcin.
iii. Osteocytes: mature bone cells, former osteoblasts that have become trapped in the matrix
they deposited.
iv. Osteoclasts: bone-dissolving cells found on the bone surface. Dissolve bone as part of bone
remodeling.
Page 1 of 10
, 4. What are the two types of bone and what are some features of each type?
The two types of bones are compact and spongy bones. Compact bone is the dense outer shell of
bone, and spongy bone is loosely organized bone tissue found in the center of the ends and center of
shafts of long bones.
Part C: Structural Components – Gross Anatomy
1. Define the following terms:
Tendons: dense regular CT that connects bone to muscle.
Ligaments: dense regular CT that connects bone to bone at the joints.
2. What is a sutural bone?
A sutural bone is a bone that grows within the closing suture of the infant-to-toddler skull.
3. Match the following part of a long bone with the correct definition:
Dense fibrous CT surrounding the outside of the
Articular cartilage
diaphysis
Epiphysis A thin layer of CT lining the medullary cavity
Contains the epiphyseal growth plate
Metaphysis
The shaft of the bone, typically made of compact bone
Diaphysis
Endosteum Found on the outside of the epiphysis and forms the
joints of the bone
Periosteum
Proximal and distal ends of the long bone
Page 2 of 10
