Question

Bone tissue can be described as $--------$ a. dead calcified tissue b. cartilage c. the skeletal system d. dense, hard connective tissue

Short answer

a. dead calcified tissue b. cartilage c. the skeletal system d. dense, hard connective tissue

Step-by-step solution

Understand bone tissue

Bone tissue, also called osseous tissue, is a type of connective tissue that provides structural support to the body. It consists of living cells, extracellular matrix, and minerals such as calcium and phosphate.

Compare each option with the definition of bone tissue

a. Dead calcified tissue: Incorrect. While bone tissue does contain minerals like calcium, it is not dead tissue. It consists of living cells, and it is constantly being remodeled and repaired. b. Cartilage: Incorrect. Cartilage is another type of connective tissue, but it's more flexible and less dense than bone tissue. It's found in areas like the joints, ears, and nose. c. The skeletal system: Incorrect. The skeletal system is a larger system comprising all the bones in the body. Bone tissue is a component of the skeletal system. d. Dense, hard connective tissue: Correct. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue that provides structural support and protection for the body.

Select the correct answer

Based on the comparison in step 2, the best description for bone tissue is "dense, hard connective tissue". So, the correct answer is option d.

Key concepts

Osseous Tissue

Osseous tissue, also known as bone tissue, is a specialized form of connective tissue that plays a vital role in the body. Unlike other tissues, osseous tissue is hard and dense due to the presence of minerals such as calcium and phosphate. These minerals make the bones strong and capable of supporting weight.
This tissue is not static; it is constantly being remodeled through the actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are cells that produce new bone tissue, while osteoclasts break down old bone tissue, allowing for renewal and repair.

• Osseous tissue contains living bone cells, commonly known as osteocytes, embedded in a matrix of collagen fibers.
• The collagen fibers provide tensile strength, preventing bones from snapping under various forces.
• Minerals provide rigidity and compressive strength.

Such dynamic features are what allow bones to adapt to stress, repair from injuries, and maintain their vital roles in the body.

Connective Tissue

Connective tissue is a broad category of tissue that supports, binds, or separates various tissues and organs in the body. Found throughout the body, this tissue is not limited to a specific form or function. Instead, it encompasses a wide variety such as bone, cartilage, adipose (fat), and blood.

Connective tissue is composed of cells interspersed within an extracellular matrix made of fibers and ground substances. The type and arrangement of fibers determine the specific function and properties of each connective tissue.

• Collagen fibers are common in connective tissues and offer strength and durability.
• Elastic fibers allow the tissue to return to its original form after stretching.
• Reticular fibers create a mesh-like structure for supporting other tissues.

Connective tissues are essential for providing structural integrity and a supportive framework for other tissues to perform their functions effectively.

Structural Support

Structural support is one of the primary functions performed by bone tissue within the skeletal system. Bones serve as the framework of the body, ensuring that it maintains its shape, posture, and stability against the force of gravity.
Bones are strategically arranged to protect vital organs by forming cages around them, like the rib cage around the lungs and heart.

• The composition of bones with a strong matrix allows for the support and protection of the body against external forces.
• They provide attachment points for muscles, aiding in facilitating movement by acting as levers.
• Healthy bone remodeling and maintenance are crucial for preserving strength and supporting function.

Through this structural support, the body is able to perform daily activities, adapt to physical demands, and safeguard essential functions.

Skeletal System

The skeletal system is a complex network of bones and connective tissues, vital for various bodily functions. Comprising over 200 bones in the adult human body, this system is crucial for movement, protection, and support.
Besides serving as a support framework, bones also play an important role in storing nutrients and housing bone marrow, where blood cells are generated. The skeletal system is highly interactive and influenced by nutritional, hormonal, and mechanical factors that regulate bone density and health.

• Bones in the skeletal system protect critical organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs.
• The system collaborates with muscles, tendons, and ligaments to produce movement.
• Calcium and phosphate stored in bones can be mobilized to participate in metabolic processes as needed.

The skeletal system underscores the significance of bone tissue, as each component depends on it for structural and functional efficacy.