Lab 6 The Skeletal System BIO201L
Student Name:
Access Code (located on the lid of your lab kit): AC-AQW1GW
Lab Report Format Expectations
Utilize college level grammar and professional formatting when completing this worksheet.
Submissions without proper formatting, all required photos or sufficient responses will be rejected. Pre-
lab Questions
1. List the functions of the skeletal system.
• Offering structural stability to the body.
• Enabling movement by serving as anchor points for muscles.
• Shielding essential organs like the brain and heart.
• Serving as a storage site for minerals, notably calcium and phosphorus.
• Housing bone marrow, which is responsible for producing blood cells.
2. What material contributes the greatest to the compressive strength of bone?
Hydroxyapatite, a mineral composed of calcium and phosphate, primarily contributes to
the compressive strength of bone tissue.
3. Briefly describe the process of bone remodeling.
Bone remodeling is an ongoing mechanism where old or impaired bone tissue is
eliminated (resorption) and new bone tissue is generated (ossification). Osteoclasts,
specialized cells, break down bone tissue, releasing minerals into the bloodstream.
Following this, osteoblasts lay down fresh bone matrix, which undergoes mineralization,
thereby enhancing bone strength. This continuous cycle aids in preserving bone density,
repairing micro-damage, and adjusting bone structure in response to mechanical
demands.
,Lab 6 The Skeletal System BIO201L
EXPERIMENT 1: CLASSIFICATION OF BONES
Introduction Questions
1. Why is it important to classify bones? Provide a few sentences in response to this
question, below.
Classifying bones holds significance for various reasons. Primarily, it facilitates
comprehension of the skeletal system's organization and structure, aiding in the study
of anatomy and physiology. By categorizing bones based on their shape, function, and
location, it simplifies the identification of patterns and connections within the skeletal
framework. This classification system is particularly valuable for medical professionals,
including surgeons and orthopedic specialists, who require a thorough grasp of bone
structure for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Moreover, it serves as a basis for
communication within the medical community, enabling precise descriptions and
discussions regarding specific bones and their physiological roles. In essence, bone
classification contributes to a deeper understanding of the skeletal system and its
multifaceted functions.
Data and Observations
Insert your observations for this experiment in the table below.
Table 6: Classification of Bones
Bone Name Classification by Shape Classification by Location
Carpals short Appendicular
Femur long Appendicular
sternum flat Axial
Vertebrae Irregular Axial
Radius Long Appendicular
Frontal flat Axial
Tarpals short Appendicular
Tibia Long Appendicular
Temporal flat Axial
Ulna long Appendicular
Results and Discussion
, Lab 6 The Skeletal System BIO201L
1. Aside from length, what are some other common characteristics of a long bone? Are
long bones typically associated with the axial or appendicular skeleton?
Long bones are distinguished by their elongated shape, with a greater length compared
to their width. They feature a central shaft called the diaphysis and two ends called
epiphyses. The diaphysis is composed of compact bone, which is dense and sturdy,
while the epiphyses are made up of spongy bone, which is porous and less dense. These
types of bones are primarily found in the arms and legs.
2. Compare flat bones and long bones. How are they different? How are they the same?
Flat bones are thin and flat, serving protective functions and providing attachment sites
for muscles. In contrast, long bones are elongated and have a shaft and two ends,
supporting the body, enabling movement, and aiding in blood cell production. It's
important to note that both types of bones contain compact and spongy bone tissues.
Student Name:
Access Code (located on the lid of your lab kit): AC-AQW1GW
Lab Report Format Expectations
Utilize college level grammar and professional formatting when completing this worksheet.
Submissions without proper formatting, all required photos or sufficient responses will be rejected. Pre-
lab Questions
1. List the functions of the skeletal system.
• Offering structural stability to the body.
• Enabling movement by serving as anchor points for muscles.
• Shielding essential organs like the brain and heart.
• Serving as a storage site for minerals, notably calcium and phosphorus.
• Housing bone marrow, which is responsible for producing blood cells.
2. What material contributes the greatest to the compressive strength of bone?
Hydroxyapatite, a mineral composed of calcium and phosphate, primarily contributes to
the compressive strength of bone tissue.
3. Briefly describe the process of bone remodeling.
Bone remodeling is an ongoing mechanism where old or impaired bone tissue is
eliminated (resorption) and new bone tissue is generated (ossification). Osteoclasts,
specialized cells, break down bone tissue, releasing minerals into the bloodstream.
Following this, osteoblasts lay down fresh bone matrix, which undergoes mineralization,
thereby enhancing bone strength. This continuous cycle aids in preserving bone density,
repairing micro-damage, and adjusting bone structure in response to mechanical
demands.
,Lab 6 The Skeletal System BIO201L
EXPERIMENT 1: CLASSIFICATION OF BONES
Introduction Questions
1. Why is it important to classify bones? Provide a few sentences in response to this
question, below.
Classifying bones holds significance for various reasons. Primarily, it facilitates
comprehension of the skeletal system's organization and structure, aiding in the study
of anatomy and physiology. By categorizing bones based on their shape, function, and
location, it simplifies the identification of patterns and connections within the skeletal
framework. This classification system is particularly valuable for medical professionals,
including surgeons and orthopedic specialists, who require a thorough grasp of bone
structure for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Moreover, it serves as a basis for
communication within the medical community, enabling precise descriptions and
discussions regarding specific bones and their physiological roles. In essence, bone
classification contributes to a deeper understanding of the skeletal system and its
multifaceted functions.
Data and Observations
Insert your observations for this experiment in the table below.
Table 6: Classification of Bones
Bone Name Classification by Shape Classification by Location
Carpals short Appendicular
Femur long Appendicular
sternum flat Axial
Vertebrae Irregular Axial
Radius Long Appendicular
Frontal flat Axial
Tarpals short Appendicular
Tibia Long Appendicular
Temporal flat Axial
Ulna long Appendicular
Results and Discussion
, Lab 6 The Skeletal System BIO201L
1. Aside from length, what are some other common characteristics of a long bone? Are
long bones typically associated with the axial or appendicular skeleton?
Long bones are distinguished by their elongated shape, with a greater length compared
to their width. They feature a central shaft called the diaphysis and two ends called
epiphyses. The diaphysis is composed of compact bone, which is dense and sturdy,
while the epiphyses are made up of spongy bone, which is porous and less dense. These
types of bones are primarily found in the arms and legs.
2. Compare flat bones and long bones. How are they different? How are they the same?
Flat bones are thin and flat, serving protective functions and providing attachment sites
for muscles. In contrast, long bones are elongated and have a shaft and two ends,
supporting the body, enabling movement, and aiding in blood cell production. It's
important to note that both types of bones contain compact and spongy bone tissues.
