Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue

Microscopic Anatomy of Bones - Bone Cells

Anatomy & Physiology

6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue

Microscopic Anatomy of Bones - Bone Cells

Previous problemNext problem

2:43 minutes

Problem 15

Textbook Question

(a) During what period of life does skeletal mass increase dramatically? Begin to decline?
(b) Why are fractures most common in elderly individuals?
(c) Why are greenstick fractures most common in children?

Verified step by step guidance

For part (a), identify the life stages where skeletal mass changes significantly. Consider the periods of rapid growth such as childhood and adolescence for the increase, and later adulthood or aging for the decline.

For part (b), analyze the physiological changes in bone composition and structure that occur with aging, such as decreased bone density and changes in bone remodeling, which contribute to increased fracture risk in elderly individuals.

For part (c), understand the structural differences in children's bones compared to adults, focusing on the flexibility and composition of pediatric bones that make greenstick fractures more common.

Explain the concept of bone remodeling and how it affects bone strength and susceptibility to fractures at different ages.

Summarize how these factors together explain the timing of skeletal mass changes and the types of fractures common in different age groups.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Skeletal Mass Development and Decline

Skeletal mass increases dramatically during childhood and adolescence due to rapid bone growth and mineralization, reaching peak bone mass in early adulthood. After this peak, bone remodeling continues but bone mass gradually declines with age, especially after middle age, leading to weaker bones.

Bone Fragility and Fractures in the Elderly

Fractures are most common in elderly individuals because aging causes decreased bone density and strength, often due to osteoporosis. This reduction in bone quality makes bones more brittle and susceptible to breaks even from minor falls or stresses.

Greenstick Fractures in Children

Greenstick fractures occur mostly in children because their bones are softer and more flexible compared to adults. Instead of breaking completely, the bone bends and cracks partially, similar to how a green twig breaks, due to the higher collagen content and ongoing bone development.

Previous problemNext problem

4:19m

Watch next

Master Introduction to Bone Cells with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following bone cell types is primarily responsible for initiating ossification of bone?

134

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following types of bone cells are responsible for removing and recycling bone?

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following bone cells is primarily responsible for bone resorption?

views

Textbook Question

Ryan, a 6-year-old child who is allergic to milk, has extremely bowed legs. What condition do you suspect, and what is the connection to not drinking milk?

views