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

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2:25 minutes

Problem 14

Textbook Question

Describe the process of new bone formation in an adult bone. Use the terms "osteoid seam" and "calcification front" in your discussion.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that new bone formation in adults occurs through a process called bone remodeling, which involves the coordinated activity of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). This process helps maintain bone strength and mineral homeostasis.

Recognize that osteoblasts secrete an unmineralized organic matrix called the osteoid seam. This osteoid seam is rich in collagen and provides the framework for mineral deposition during bone formation.

Identify the calcification front as the transition zone between the osteoid seam and the mineralized bone. This is where the deposition of calcium and phosphate ions occurs, leading to the hardening of the bone matrix.

Understand that enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, secreted by osteoblasts, play a critical role in the mineralization process by increasing the local concentration of phosphate ions, which combine with calcium to form hydroxyapatite crystals.

Recognize that the hydroxyapatite crystals are deposited within the osteoid seam at the calcification front, completing the process of new bone formation and creating a strong, mineralized bone structure.

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Key Concepts

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

Osteoid Seam

The osteoid seam is a thin layer of unmineralized organic matrix that is secreted by osteoblasts during the process of bone formation. This layer serves as a precursor to mineralization, providing a scaffold for the deposition of calcium and phosphate. It is crucial for the initial stages of bone remodeling and repair, as it indicates where new bone will be formed.

Calcification Front

The calcification front is the boundary between the osteoid seam and the mineralized bone matrix. It represents the area where the mineralization process occurs, as calcium and phosphate ions are deposited into the osteoid, transforming it into hardened bone. This front is essential for understanding how bone density and strength are achieved during growth and healing.

Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a continuous process where old bone tissue is replaced by new bone tissue, involving the coordinated activity of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). This process is vital for maintaining bone health, adapting to mechanical stress, and repairing micro-damage. Understanding remodeling helps explain how the osteoid seam and calcification front function within the broader context of bone formation.

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Bone remodeling in adults is regulated and directed mainly by:

a. Growth hormone

b. Thyroid hormones

c. Sex hormones

d. Mechanical stress

e. PTH

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a. Osteomalacia

b. Osteoporosis

c. Paget's disease

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a. Why are fractures most common in elderly individuals?

b. Why are greenstick fractures most common in children?

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Why do you think wheelchair-bound people with paralyzed lower limbs have thin, weak bones of the leg and thigh?

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Mrs. Abbruzzo brought her 4-year-old daughter to the doctor, complaining that she didn't 'look right.' The child's forehead was enlarged, her rib cage was knobby, and her lower limbs were bent and deformed. X rays revealed very thick epiphyseal plates. Mrs. Abbruzzo was advised to increase dietary amounts of vitamin D and milk and to get the girl outside to play in the sun. Considering the child's signs and symptoms, what disease do you think she has? Explain the doctor's instructions.

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What would a long bone look like at the end of adolescence if bone remodeling did not occur?

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