1. Explain why a proper balance of vitamins, hormones, and minerals is essential in maintaining healthy bone tissue. Give examples of diseases or skeletal conditions that may occur if there is an imbalance of any of these three essential substances.

2. Upon examining an X ray of a 10-year-old’s broken humerus, the physician expressed concern because the fracture was across an epiphyseal plate. Why the concern?

3. Many people think that the bones in our bodies are dead--understandable considering that we associate bones with graveyards, Halloween, and ghosts. Your kid sister is convinced of this. What information could you use to try to get her to change her mind?

4. You read in National Geographic that a team of archaeologists recently completed an examination of 18 skeletons from people buried under tons of volcanic ash 1200 years ago. By analyzing the bones, the scientists were able to determine the sex, physical health, (including a partial medical history), approximate age, and even the general profession of each of the 18 individuals. How could the examination of a persevered skeleton yield such a vast array of information?

5. Each body system is functionally associated with other body systems in the workings of the organism. Describe the functional relationship for each of the following: (a) red bone marrow and the blood of the circulatory system; (b) bone martrix and the storage of essential minerals; (c) periosteum and the tendinous attachment of muscles; (d) flat bones and the protection of vital body organs; and (e) red bone marrow and body immunity.

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