Case Study

Module 04 Case Study: Bone Tissue

Part I— “Marissa” Questions

1. Describe bone tissue and the role each component plays in bone physiology and remodeling. What is the difference between compact and spongy bone? (2 points)

Spongy bone is anatomically shaped like a sponge and contains red bone marrow which produces red blood cells needed for bone formation. Compact bone is stronger and denser and contains yellow bone marrow which made of fat cells. Compact bones contains osteocytes ,bone forming cells.

2. Explain the relationship between calcium and bones. (1 point)

Calcium is needed to maintain a certain level that helps provide support for structure of the body. Bones contains 99 percent of calcium in the body.Calcium and bones are important parts to the skeletal system. Calcium aides the formation of bones.

3. Explain how the body controls calcium levels in the bones and blood. Be sure to describe the roles of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin in detail. (2 points)

Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin are needed to control calcium levels in the body.PTH increases blood calcium levels and stimulates the number of osteoclasts and decreases number of osteoblasts. Meanwhile calcitonin is activated when there is decrease blood calcium levels in blood.Calcitonin stimulates the increase of osteoblasts and decrease of osteoclasts.

4. Explain specifically how osteoporosis affects the bone matrix and the normal bone remodeling cycle. (1 point)

Osteoporosis is when the osteoclasts are breaking down faster than osteoblasts can make them.In the normal remodeling cycle osteoblasts form new bone by collagen and calcium salts. The osteoblasts then calcify and begin to change structure and then become osteocytes. Osteocytes maintain the calcium levels in the body.If there is an imbalance of osteoblasts and osteocytes the bones become unhealthy and fragile.

5. Discuss what scientists know about the genetics behind osteoporosis. (1 point)...