Ex 8: Bone Classification, Structure & Relationships: An Overview
This lab is designed to provide students with an overview of bones through a variety of investigative activities.https://sites.google.com/site/physiolablist/
The Objectives for this lab are:
- To list at least three functions of the skeletal system.
- To identify the four main kinds of bones.
- To identify surface bone markings and their function.
- To identify the major anatomical areas on a longitudinally cut long bone (or diagram of one).
- To identify the major regions and structures of an osteon in a histological specimen of compact bone (or diagram or model of one).
- To explain the role of the inorganic slats and organic matrix in providing flexibility and hardness to bone.
Hypotheses & Procedures
Part 1: Bone Markings & Classification.
If students examine a variety of disarticulated bones then they will be able to classify them into one of the four anatomical groups: long, short, flat, or irregular and point out examples of bone markings.
Part 2: Gross Anatomy of the Typical Long Bone.
If students examine a fresh cut bone as well as a cleaned dry bone that has been cut along its longitudinal axis, then they will be able to identify the major anatomical structures of a bone as an organ.
Part 3 Microscopic Structure of Compact Bone.
If students observe a prepared slide of ground bone as well as a model of microscopic compact bone, then they will be able to identify the major regions and structures of an osteon.
Part 4: Chemical Composition of Bone:
If students observe a sample of bone that has been baked then they will be able to identify the role of the organic compounds in bone because baking removes the collagen fibers of the matrix.
If students observe a sample of bone that has been soaked in acid then they will be able to identify the role of the inorganic compounds in bone because acids dissolve the calcium salts.
Materials (on lab sheet)
Experiment/Data and lab questions
Part 1: Bone Markings & Classification.
Insert a picture of each type of bone, with a caption identifying its shape as long, short, flat, or irregular. Within your caption, also identify any bone markings that show up in your picture.
Part 2: Gross Anatomy of the Typical Long Bone.
Insert at least one picture your partner pointing out a specific feature of long bone. Provide a caption to identify the specific feature.
Part 3 Microscopic Structure of Compact Bone.
Copy/paste this image into a draw program (like MS Paint). Label the parts of the osteon that you can identify. Save the image and use it to replace the unlabeled one into your blog, .
Part 4: Chemical Composition of Bone:
Do treated bones retain the structure of untreated specimens?
No due to the calcium loss.
Describe what happened to the matrix when the bone was baked. How does this bone feel?
It felt dry and stiff.
Describe what happened to the matrix when the bone was soaked in acid. How does this bone feel?
It felt soft and was visibly deteriorating.
Optional: Include a video of your lab team demonstrating the effects of baking and acid on the matrix of bone.
Describe what happened to the matrix when the bone was soaked in acid. How does this bone feel?
It felt soft and was visibly deteriorating.
Optional: Include a video of your lab team demonstrating the effects of baking and acid on the matrix of bone.
Conclusion:
- List at least three functions of the skeletal system. Protect internal organs, provide structure and support, and store minerals.
- Identify the four main kinds of bones. Flat, short, irregular, and long.
- Which surface bone markings and their function can you identify and describe? A facet, a head, a fossa, a crest, and a tubercle.
- Which major anatomical areas on a longitudinally cut long bone (or diagram of one) can you identify? The spongy bone, compact bone, and medullary cavity.
- Which major regions and structures of an osteon in a histological specimen of compact bone (or diagram or model of one) can you identify? The osteocyte, lacuna, central canal, canaliculi, and the lamella.
- Explain the role of the inorganic slats and organic matrix in providing flexibility and hardness to bone. The inorganic slats provide the support needed by the bone using calcium, and the organic matrix allows the bone to have flexibility so it doesn't easily break.






