Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure

Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition

Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook

Martini, Nath, Bartholomew 11th Edition

Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure

Problem 23

Chapter 6, Problem 23

Why would a physician be concerned about the growth patterns of a young child request an x-ray of the hand?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the growth patterns of a young child are closely related to the development of their bones, particularly the long bones in the hands and wrists, which contain growth plates (epiphyseal plates).

Recognize that an X-ray of the hand can reveal the status of these growth plates, showing whether they are open, closing, or closed, which helps assess the child's skeletal age and growth potential.

Know that physicians use this information to evaluate if the child's growth is proceeding normally or if there are any growth disorders, such as growth delays, early or late puberty, or endocrine problems.

Consider that the hand X-ray can also help detect any abnormalities in bone development, fractures, or diseases that might affect growth.

Summarize that the physician's concern is to monitor and predict the child's overall growth and development by examining the bone maturation through the hand X-ray.

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Key Concepts

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

Growth Plates (Epiphyseal Plates)

Growth plates are areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones in children. They are responsible for bone lengthening and overall growth. Physicians examine these plates via hand x-rays to assess growth progress and detect any abnormalities or delays.

Bone Age Assessment

Bone age is an estimate of skeletal maturity determined by comparing hand x-rays to standard growth charts. It helps physicians evaluate if a child's growth is on track, advanced, or delayed, which can indicate underlying health or hormonal issues.

Growth Disorders and Developmental Concerns

Abnormal growth patterns can signal conditions like growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, or genetic disorders. An x-ray of the hand helps identify these issues early, allowing timely intervention to support normal development.

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What are the functional relationships between the skeleton, on the one hand, and the digestive and urinary systems, on the other?

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Textbook Question

Why do extended periods of inactivity cause degenerative changes in the skeleton?

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Textbook Question

While playing on her swing set, 10-year-old Sally falls and breaks her right leg. At the emergency room, the doctor tells her parents that the proximal end of the tibia where the epiphysis meets the diaphysis is fractured. The fracture is properly set and eventually heals. During a routine physical when she is 18, Sally learns that her right leg is 2 cm shorter than her left, probably because of her accident. What might account for this difference?

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Textbook Question

Why does a second fracture in the same bone tend to occur at a site different from that of the first fracture?

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Textbook Question

The process of bone growth at the epiphyseal cartilage is similar to:

(a) Intramembranous ossification

(b) Endochondral ossification

(d) The process of healing a fracture

(e) The process of calcification