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Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 6 Bones and Bone TissueProblem L3.1
Chapter 6, Problem L3.1

It used to be common practice in surgical fracture repair to strip and remove the periosteum. Now, however, surgeons take great care to avoid damaging the periosteum. Explain why, and describe what would likely happen to bone healing with the periosteum missing.

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1
Understand the role of the periosteum: The periosteum is a dense layer of vascular connective tissue that covers the bones except at the joints. It plays a critical role in bone healing by providing essential nutrients, housing osteoblasts (bone-forming cells), and serving as an attachment site for tendons and ligaments.
Explain the importance of osteoblasts: Osteoblasts, which are found in the inner layer of the periosteum, are responsible for synthesizing new bone tissue during the healing process. Without the periosteum, the supply of osteoblasts would be significantly reduced, impairing bone regeneration.
Discuss the vascular contribution: The periosteum contains blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the bone. If the periosteum is removed or damaged, the blood supply to the fracture site would be compromised, slowing down the healing process and potentially leading to nonunion or delayed union of the fracture.
Describe the consequences of periosteum removal: Without the periosteum, the bone would lose its protective layer and regenerative capacity. Healing would be slower, and the bone might not regain its full strength or structure, increasing the risk of complications such as deformities or chronic pain.
Summarize modern surgical practices: Surgeons now avoid damaging the periosteum during fracture repair to preserve its essential functions in bone healing. This approach ensures a better prognosis for the patient by promoting faster and more effective recovery of the fractured bone.

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Key Concepts

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

Periosteum Function

The periosteum is a dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds the bones, playing a crucial role in bone health and repair. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and osteoblasts, which are essential for bone growth and healing. By providing a protective layer and a source of cells necessary for regeneration, the periosteum is vital for effective fracture healing.
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Bone Healing Process

Bone healing is a complex biological process that occurs in several stages: inflammation, soft callus formation, hard callus formation, and bone remodeling. The presence of the periosteum is critical during these stages, as it contributes to the formation of new bone tissue and helps stabilize the fracture site. Without the periosteum, the healing process can be significantly impaired, leading to delayed healing or non-union.
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Consequences of Periosteum Removal

Removing the periosteum during surgical fracture repair can lead to several negative outcomes, including compromised blood supply and reduced osteogenic potential. This can result in slower healing rates, increased risk of infection, and potential for malunion or non-union of the fracture. Surgeons now prioritize preserving the periosteum to enhance the overall success of the healing process.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about bone tissue as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

b. The inorganic matrix of bone is solely responsible for the strength of bone tissue.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about bone tissue as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.


c. Collagen fibers are one of the predominant parts of the inorganic matrix.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about bone tissue as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

a. The primary mineral in the inorganic matrix is hydroxyapatite.

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Fouz Akkad is a 6-year-old girl who has been diagnosed with a rare genetic defect in which her lysosomes are unable to maintain an acidic pH. What are lysosomes? Why do lysosomes require an acidic pH? How will this affect the ability of certain bone cells to function? What consequences will this disease have on Fouz's bones?

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Explain why young men who take anabolic steroids (which mimic the actions of testosterone) often display stunted growth and have an overall shorter stature.

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Textbook Question

Lucy Dupre is a 2-year-old girl living in northern Canada. You notice that her growth seems abnormally slow and she has exhibited signs of weakened bones, including fractures. Her parents admit they have not supplemented her diet with vitamin D, as they feel that any supplementation is 'unnatural' and 'not organic.' Explain why Lucy is having problems with her bones and bone growth.

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