Lecture Four : Bone II - Bone tissue and its microscopic structure

6 important questions on Lecture Four : Bone II - Bone tissue and its microscopic structure

Explain the Extracellular components of the bone

It composed of organic and inorganic substances :
1. Organic : 33% of bone matrix is organic
  • Composed of collagen and ground substance (proteoglycans)
  • Its function is to resist tension. 
  • Without organic components, the bone becomes very brittle causing them to break easily.

2. Inorganic : 67% of bone matrix is inorganic
  • Composed of mineral salts (Hydroxyapatite)
  • Its function is to give hardness to the bone.
  • Without hydroxyapatite, the bone becomes flexible.

Explain the cellular components of the bone

Made up of 4 different types of bone tissues :
1. Osteogenic cells : Stem cells that produce osteoblasts
2. Osteoblasts : Maker cells which produces new bone matrix
3. Osteocytes : Maintainers and communicators - They also regulate osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity
4. Osteoclasts : Destroyer cells , meaning they break down the bone matrix   

What are the structures of the Compact Bone ?

Microscopically made up of circumferential lamellae and units called osteons.
  • Osteons : Longitudinal units within the compact bone which provides a pathway for nutrients to get to cells in the ECM.
  • Lamellae : A series of cylinders formed of ECM around the central canal.
  • Central Canal : Forms the center of the osteon and contains blood vessels and nerves.
  • Lacunae : Lakes where osteocytes sit.
  • Canaliculi : Communication channels for osteocytes through the ECM.
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What are the structures of the Cancellous Bone ?

Cancellous bones are made up of trabeculae which are struts of lamellae bone.
  • It is found where shock-absorption is required.
  • Spaces between the trabeculae are commonly filled with bone marrow.

What is the process of Bone Remodeling ?

Bone remodeling is the process by which bone is constantly broken down (osteoclastic activity) and rebuilt (osteoblastic activity) in order to maintain normal mature bone's structural integrity.
An imbalance in osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity can result in bone pathology (disease).

Describe what is the Bone Pathology of Osteoporosis and the causes of Osteoporosis ?

Osteoporosis is a bone condition where osteoclasts break down bone faster than osteoblasts can rebuild them.
As a result, compact bone becomes thinner and porous whereas cancellous bone loses volume.

Causes of Osteoporosis :
  • Ageing : As we age, we lose oestrogen
  • Lifestyle factors include lack of exercise and nutritional factors (low calcium diet)

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