Chapter 7
Skeletal System
Part A
1. List four groups of bones based upon their shapes, and name an example from each group.
a. Long bones—femur and humerus
b. Short bones—tarsals and carpals
c. Flat bones—ribs, scapulae, and bones of the skull
d. Irregular bones—vertebrae and many facial bones
2. Sketch a typical long bone, and label its epiphyses, diaphysis, medullary cavity, periosteum, and
articular cartilages.
See figure 7.2, page 183.
3. Distinguish between spongy and compact bone.
Compact bone is comprised of tightly packed tissue that is strong, solid, and resistant to bending.
Spongy bone consists of numerous branching bony plates. Irregular interconnected spaces occur
between these plates, thus reducing the weight of the bone.
4. Explain how central canals and perforating canals are related.
Central canals (Haversian canals) contain one or two small blood vessels and a nerve, surrounded by
loose connective tissue. These vessels provide nourishment for the bone cells associated with the
osteonic canals. The osteonic canals run longitudinally. Perforating canals (Volkmann’s canals) run
transversely and contain larger blood vessels and nerves by which the vessels and nerves in osteonic
canals communicate with the surface of the bone and the medullary cavity.
5. Explain how the development of intramembranous bone differs from that of endochondral
bone.
Intramembranous bones develop from sheetlike masses of connective tissue. Some of the primitive
