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

Gross Anatomy of Bone: Periosteum and Endosteum

Anatomy & Physiology

6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue

Gross Anatomy of Bone: Periosteum and Endosteum

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3:05 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

Two-thirds of the weight of bone is accounted for by:
(a) Crystals of calcium phosphate
(b) Collagen fibers
(c) Osteocytes
(d) Calcium carbonate

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the composition of bone tissue. Bone is a composite material made up of both organic and inorganic components. The inorganic portion primarily consists of minerals, while the organic portion includes collagen fibers and cells like osteocytes.

Step 2: Focus on the inorganic component of bone. The majority of the bone's weight comes from mineral crystals, specifically calcium phosphate, which forms hydroxyapatite. This mineral provides the bone with its hardness and strength.

Step 3: Compare the options provided. Calcium phosphate (option a) is the primary mineral in bone and accounts for approximately two-thirds of its weight. Collagen fibers (option b) contribute to the organic matrix but do not account for the majority of the weight. Osteocytes (option c) are bone cells and contribute minimally to the weight. Calcium carbonate (option d) is present in smaller amounts compared to calcium phosphate.

Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on their contribution to bone weight. Collagen fibers, osteocytes, and calcium carbonate are important components of bone but do not make up the majority of its weight.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the component that accounts for two-thirds of the weight of bone, which is calcium phosphate crystals (option a).

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Key Concepts

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

Bone Composition

Bone is a composite material primarily made up of organic and inorganic components. The organic part includes collagen fibers, which provide tensile strength, while the inorganic part consists mainly of mineral crystals, predominantly calcium phosphate, which gives bone its hardness and rigidity.

Calcium Phosphate

Calcium phosphate is a key mineral in bone structure, making up about 60-70% of the bone's weight. It exists in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals, which are responsible for the bone's strength and ability to withstand compressive forces, playing a crucial role in overall skeletal integrity.

Collagen in Bone

Collagen is a protein that forms the organic matrix of bone, providing flexibility and tensile strength. It constitutes about one-third of the bone's weight and is essential for the bone's structural framework, allowing it to absorb stress and prevent fractures.