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Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 7th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 6

Wolff's law is concerned with:
a. Calcium homeostasis of the blood
b. The shape of a bone being determined by mechanical stresses placed on it
c. The electrical charge on bone surfaces

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1
Step 1: Understand the context of Wolff's law in anatomy and physiology. Wolff's law relates to how bones adapt structurally in response to mechanical stress.
Step 2: Recall that Wolff's law states that bone tissue remodels itself over time to become stronger in areas subjected to higher mechanical loads.
Step 3: Evaluate each option in the problem: (a) Calcium homeostasis refers to maintaining calcium levels in the blood, which is regulated by hormones, not Wolff's law; (b) The shape of a bone being determined by mechanical stresses aligns with Wolff's law; (c) Electrical charge on bone surfaces is related to piezoelectric effects but is not the main focus of Wolff's law.
Step 4: Conclude that Wolff's law is primarily concerned with how mechanical stresses influence the shape and structure of bones.
Step 5: Therefore, the correct understanding of Wolff's law corresponds to option (b).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Wolff's Law

Wolff's law states that bone adapts its structure and shape in response to the mechanical stresses it experiences. This means bones become stronger and remodel themselves where stress is applied, ensuring optimal strength and function.
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Mechanical Stress on Bone

Mechanical stress refers to forces such as tension, compression, and shear that act on bones during physical activity. These stresses stimulate bone cells to remodel and strengthen the bone in areas experiencing higher loads.
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Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is the continuous process where old bone tissue is replaced by new tissue. It is regulated by mechanical forces and biological factors, allowing bones to maintain strength and repair micro-damage.
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