Case Study 2

Case Study 2

Part I— “Marissa”

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

Spongy bone tissue gets its name because it often looks a lot like a sponge, at least when viewed as a cross-section. It is very porous and typically contains a lot of red bone marrow, which is known scientifically as medulla ossium rubra. Red marrow tends to be very flexible, and it’s responsible for producing and carrying red blood cells. Blood typically circulates through both the veins and arteries and bones, at least those parts with this sort of tissue.

Compact bone tissue, on the other hand, is mostly made up of yellow marrow, or medulla ossium flava. This is made up mostly of fat cells, which as s a general rule are more tightly packed than red blood cells. There isn’t usually much room for fluids or other substances to pass through these tissues.

2. Explain the relationship between calcium and bones.

Calcium is essential for maintaining the necessary level of bone mass to support the structures of the body. The body is constantly using calcium for the heart, blood, muscles and nerves. Calcium is also lost through normal bodily processes such as waste and the shedding of hair, fingernails, sweat and skin.

The most significant nutritional influence on bone is the availability of calcium. The close relationship between bone and calcium is indicated by the principal processes of calcium metabolism. Bone contains 99 percent of the calcium in the body and can behave as an adequate buffer for maintenance of a constant level of freely moving calcium in soft tissues, extracellular fluid, and blood. The free-calcium concentration in this pool must be kept within fairly narrow limits nto maintain the constant internal environment necessary for neuromuscular irritability, blood clotting, muscle contractility, and cardiac function.

3. Explain how the body controls...