The human skeletal system consists of bones and cartilages of various types. Bones and cartilages are supporting connective tissues. They provide support, surface for the attachment of muscles and protection to many vital organs like brain, heart, eyes etc. and also give a definite form and shape of the body. Moreover the skeleton plays a vital role in locomotion and movements.
Cartilage
1. It is soft elastic and flexible
2. Cells are known as chondrocytes
3. Matrix is non vascular
4. Matrix is a homogenous mass without lamellae
5. Matrix has a protein called chondrin
6. Matrix is entirely organic
7. Matrix may or may not have calcium salts
8. Each Cartilage lacks blood supply except in perichondrium
9. Growth pattern of cartilage is unidirectional
10. Chondrocytes lack protoplasmic process
11. Lacunae lack canaliculi
12. Each lacunae has 2-3 chondrocytes
13. Bone marrow like structure is absent
14. Haversian systems and Volkman’s canals are absent
15. Three types- hyaline cartilage, fibro cartilage and elastic cartilage
Bone
1. It is hard, inelastic and tough
2. Cells are known as osteocytes
3. Matrix is vascular
4. Matrix occur in lamellae
5. Matrix has a protein called ossein.
6. Matrix is both organic and inorganic
7. Matrix always have calcium salts predominantly calcium phosphates
8. Bones are rich in blood supply
9. Growth pattern of bone is bidirectional
10. osteocytes have filopodia
11. Lacunae gives off canaliculi
12. Each lacunae has only one bone cell (osteocyte)
13. Bone marrow is present ( a haematopoietic tissue from which all blood cells are formed)
14. Haversian systems and Volkman’s canals are present
15. Two types- compact bone and spongy bone
Extra Points:
- Longest bone is femur
- Smallest bone is stapes
- Study of body movements-Kinesiology