Look Out Below: A Case Study on Bone Tissue Structureand Repair An elderly patient arrived at the emergency roomunconscious after an accident in which a heavy overhead shelfstruck her arm. Upon auscultation, a large open wound on her armwas evident with what appears to be bone tissue sticking out of theskin. She also has bruises covering her left shoulder, left wrist,and lower back. To determine the extent of her injuries the patientundergoes several x-rays, which reveal the following:
1) fracture of the left humerus at the proximaldiaphysis,
2) depressed fracture of the occipitalbone,
3) fracture of the 3rd lumbar vertebral body. Answer theFollowing (short answer) \
1. Define the following terms, used in the case and alsoin associated questions: a. Comminuted fracture b. Epiphyseal platec. Bony callous d. Paget’s Disease
2. What is the difference between the Calcification zoneand the Ossification zone found.
3. What type of bone tissue makes up the majority of thevertebral body? Describe the structure and function of this type ofbone.
4. Describe the layers of compact bone.
5. Most connective tissue, including bone, is highlyvascular. Which anatomical structures in the patient’s compact bonehouse blood vessels?
6. What term is used to describe the addition of newbone tissue? Identify which bone cell is responsible for thisprocess and explain how it occurs.
7. What makes up the organic and inorganic portions ofthe bone’s extracellular matrix (ECM)? 8. Describe the structure ofan osteon.
Discussion:
Further diagnostic tests on the patient revealed a lackof estrogen and calcium. Elaborate on how these factors may havemade the injury worse. In normal conditions, what would be theresponse to falling calcium levels? Post your response and respondto two of your classmates using at least 3-5 sentences to receivefull credit (10 points).
