Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google

Bone Tissue Quiz: Are You a Histology Expert?

Think you know which of these surrounds the diaphysis? Dive in and ace this bone histology quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for bone tissue quiz with terms like osteons, diaphysis on sky blue background

Embark on a journey into the microarchitecture of bones with our free bone tissue quiz, designed to challenge and refine your histology prowess. In this dynamic bone histology quiz, you'll tackle essential questions - like which of these surrounds the diaphysis? and an osteon contains osteocytes lamellae - to deepen your familiarity with compact bone organization. Ideal for students, educators, and anatomy enthusiasts, this quiz offers instant feedback to reinforce learning and highlight areas for review. Plus, enjoy detailed explanations for every question to solidify your grasp of cortical bone regions, lacunae distribution, and the protective periosteum. Ready to test yourself? Dive in now by taking our bone tissue quiz and supplement your exploration with our Haversian system challenge for an extra edge!

What is the primary structural unit of compact bone?
Osteocyte
Lamella
Canaliculus
Osteon
The osteon, or Haversian system, is the fundamental functional unit of compact bone. It consists of a central canal surrounded by concentric lamellae and contains osteocytes in lacunae. This organization provides structural strength and vascular channels. More info
Which part of a long bone contains the medullary cavity?
Diaphysis
Metaphysis
Epiphysis
Periosteum
The diaphysis is the shaft of a long bone and contains the medullary cavity, which houses bone marrow. The epiphyses are the ends of the bone, and the metaphyses are transitional regions between diaphysis and epiphysis. The periosteum is a membrane covering the bone's outer surface. More info
Which membrane covers the outer surface of bone?
Periosteum
Epimysium
Perichondrium
Endosteum
The periosteum is a dense, fibrous membrane covering the external surface of bones, except at joint surfaces. The endosteum lines the inner surfaces, while perichondrium covers cartilage and epimysium surrounds muscle. The periosteum contains blood vessels and osteoprogenitor cells. More info
What is the thin membrane lining the inner surface of bone?
Endosteum
Perichondrium
Synovium
Periosteum
The endosteum is a thin vascular membrane that lines the medullary cavity and trabeculae of bone. It contains osteogenic cells essential for bone growth and remodeling. The periosteum covers outer surfaces while synovium lines joint cavities. More info
Where are osteocytes located within bone?
Canaliculi
Lacunae
Volkmann's canals
Haversian canal
Osteocytes reside in small spaces called lacunae situated between concentric lamellae. They extend processes through canaliculi to exchange nutrients. The Haversian canal contains blood vessels and Volkmann's canals connect adjacent osteons. More info
Which type of collagen is most abundant in bone matrix?
Type I
Type IV
Type III
Type II
Type I collagen makes up about 90% of the organic matrix (osteoid) in bone, providing tensile strength. Type II is primarily found in cartilage, Type III in reticular fibers, and Type IV in basement membranes. More info
What is the main mineral component of bone?
Hydroxyapatite
Calcite
Calcium oxalate
Magnesium phosphate
Hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] crystals deposit within the collagen matrix to give bone its hardness and strength. Other minerals in bone are present in trace amounts. More info
Which region of the long bone is responsible for longitudinal growth?
Metaphysis
Diaphysis
Epiphyseal plate
Periosteum
The epiphyseal (growth) plate is a hyaline cartilage layer where chondrocytes proliferate and ossify, enabling bone lengthening during development. Once it closes, longitudinal growth ceases. More info
What is another term for spongy bone?
Trabecular bone
Lamina bone
Compact bone
Cortical bone
Spongy bone, or trabecular bone, is composed of a network of trabeculae that provide structural support and house red marrow. Cortical bone is dense and forms the outer shell. More info
Which cell type is responsible for forming new bone?
Osteocyte
Osteoclast
Osteoblast
Chondrocyte
Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells that secrete osteoid, the unmineralized organic matrix, which later mineralizes. Osteoclasts resorb bone and osteocytes maintain it. More info
Osteoclasts originate from which cell lineage?
Mesenchymal stem cell
Monocyte/macrophage
Osteoprogenitor cell
Chondroblast
Osteoclasts derive from the fusion of monocyte/macrophage precursors of hematopoietic origin. Mesenchymal stem cells give rise to osteoblasts, not osteoclasts. More info
What term describes the unmineralized organic portion of the bone matrix?
Osteoid
Hydroxyapatite
Proteoglycan
Chondroid
Osteoid is the organic osteoblast-secreted matrix composed mainly of type I collagen and ground substance that later mineralizes. Chondroid refers to cartilage matrix. More info
In which part of long bone is the bone marrow located?
Periosteum
Epiphysis
Perichondrium
Medullary cavity
The medullary cavity within the diaphysis holds yellow or red marrow, depending on age. The periosteum is a surface membrane, and perichondrium covers cartilage. More info
Which canal runs longitudinally through the center of an osteon?
Haversian canal
Volkmann's canal
Canaliculus
Central canal
The Haversian canal, also called the central canal, runs longitudinally in each osteon carrying blood vessels and nerves. Volkmann's canals run transversely. Canaliculi are small channels for osteocyte processes. More info
Which canals connect Haversian canals transversely?
Canaliculi
Trabeculae
Lacunae
Volkmann's canals
Volkmann's (perforating) canals run perpendicular to Haversian canals, linking blood vessels and nerves between osteons. Canaliculi connect lacunae. Trabeculae are plates in spongy bone. More info
What are the concentric rings around the Haversian canal called?
Interstitial lamellae
Trabecular lamellae
Concentric lamellae
Circumferential lamellae
Concentric lamellae are the circular layers of mineralized matrix arranged around the central Haversian canal. Interstitial lamellae fill gaps between osteons. Circumferential lamellae encircle the entire shaft. More info
How do osteocytes communicate and exchange nutrients?
Lacunae
Haversian canals
Volkmann's canals
Canaliculi
Osteocytes extend cytoplasmic processes through tiny channels called canaliculi, allowing nutrient and waste exchange. Haversian and Volkmann's canals carry larger vessels and nerves. Lacunae house the cell bodies. More info
Which layer of the periosteum contains osteoprogenitor cells?
Inner cambium layer
Outer fibrous layer
Subchondral layer
Endosteal layer
The periosteum has two layers: an outer fibrous layer and an inner cambium layer rich in osteoprogenitor cells that differentiate into osteoblasts. The endosteum lines internal surfaces. More info
Which zone of the epiphyseal plate is characterized by calcified cartilage?
Zone of resting cartilage
Zone of calcification
Zone of proliferation
Zone of hypertrophy
In the zone of calcification, chondrocytes die and matrix calcifies, preparing for bone deposition. Proliferation and hypertrophy occur earlier, while resting cartilage is the reserve zone. More info
Intramembranous ossification primarily forms which bones?
Flat bones of the skull
Vertebrae
Long bones
Ribs
Intramembranous ossification directly converts mesenchymal tissue into bone, forming flat bones like the cranial vault and clavicle. Long bones form via endochondral ossification. More info
Endochondral ossification is responsible for forming what type of bones?
Irregular bones of skull
Sesamoid bones
Long bones
Flat bones
Endochondral ossification uses a hyaline cartilage model to form long bones, vertebrae, and others. Flat bones of the skull form intramembraneously. Sesamoid bones vary. More info
Which hormone increases bone resorption by stimulating osteoclasts?
Somatostatin
Parathyroid hormone
Estrogen
Calcitonin
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) binds osteoblast receptors to increase RANKL expression, which stimulates osteoclast formation and bone resorption, raising blood calcium. Calcitonin has the opposite effect. More info
Bone remodeling units on the bone surface are called what?
Basic multicellular units
Osteons
Canaliculi
Lacunae
Basic multicellular units (BMUs) are temporary groups of osteoclasts and osteoblasts that coordinate bone resorption and formation. Osteons are permanent structures in compact bone. More info
What is primary (woven) bone primarily characterized by?
Random collagen fiber orientation
No osteocytes
Parallel collagen arrangement
High mineralization
Primary or woven bone has a haphazard arrangement of collagen fibers, low mineral content, and is formed rapidly during development or repair. Lamellar bone has organized collagen. More info
What network is formed by interconnecting osteocyte lacunae and canaliculi?
Osteocytic network
Trabecular mesh
Fibrovascular plexus
Haversian system
The osteocytic network consists of lacunae and canaliculi enabling cell - cell communication and nutrient/waste exchange. The Haversian system refers to osteons in compact bone. More info
What are Howship's lacunae?
Blood vessel channels
Depressions where osteoclasts resorb bone
Spaces housing osteocytes
Calcified cartilage regions
Howship's lacunae are shallow pits on bone surfaces formed by osteoclasts during bone resorption. They reflect active bone remodeling. Lacunae housing osteocytes are different. More info
Which enzyme is a marker for osteoclast activity?
Tartrate?resistant acid phosphatase
Lysozyme
Collagenase
Alkaline phosphatase
Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) is secreted by active osteoclasts during bone resorption and serves as a histochemical marker. Alkaline phosphatase is associated with osteoblasts. More info
Vitamin D deficiency in children leads to which condition?
Osteomyelitis
Paget's disease
Rickets
Osteoporosis
Rickets is the pediatric manifestation of vitamin D deficiency, leading to impaired mineralization of the growth plate and bone deformities. In adults, it presents as osteomalacia. More info
Which disease is characterized by reduced bone mass and fragility?
Paget's disease
Osteoporosis
Osteomalacia
Osteopetrosis
Osteoporosis involves decreased bone density and microarchitectural deterioration, increasing fracture risk. Osteopetrosis is overly dense bone. Paget's disease shows disorganized remodeling. More info
What is the first phase of fracture healing?
Remodeling phase
Reparative phase
Inflammatory phase
Calcification phase
The inflammatory phase begins immediately post-fracture with hematoma formation and inflammation, setting the stage for repair. The reparative phase follows with callus formation. More info
Which hormone lowers blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclasts?
Parathyroid hormone
Thyroxine
Calcitonin
Calcitriol
Calcitonin, secreted by the thyroid's parafollicular cells, inhibits osteoclast activity and decreases bone resorption, lowering blood calcium. PTH has the opposite effect. More info
Which type of bone marrow contains a high percentage of adipocytes?
Osteoid marrow
Active marrow
Red marrow
Yellow marrow
Yellow marrow consists mainly of adipocytes and is found in the medullary cavity of long bones in adults. Red marrow, rich in hematopoietic tissue, is located in flat bones and epiphyses. More info
What often triggers bone remodeling in response to stress?
Vitamin D
Microfractures
Calcium overload
Osteoporosis
Microfractures in bone from mechanical loading stimulate targeted remodeling by BMUs to repair damage and maintain structural integrity. Osteoporosis is a disease, not a trigger. More info
In lamellar bone, collagen fiber orientation alternates between layers to enhance what?
Porosity
Tensile strength
Color
Elasticity
Alternating collagen orientation in concentric lamellae ensures bone resists torsional and tensile forces effectively, enhancing mechanical strength. Elasticity is minimal compared to cartilage. More info
What major components make up the ground substance of bone?
Proteoglycans and glycoproteins
Collagen and elastin
Hydroxyapatite crystals
Phospholipids and cholesterol
Bone ground substance comprises proteoglycans (e.g., chondroitin sulfate) and glycoproteins (e.g., osteonectin) that bind collagen and minerals. Collagen fibers and crystals are separate matrix components. More info
Which enzyme is secreted by osteoblasts as a marker of bone formation?
Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
Carbonic anhydrase II
Alkaline phosphatase
Matrix metalloproteinase-9
Alkaline phosphatase, produced by osteoblasts, promotes mineralization by hydrolyzing phosphate esters, raising local phosphate levels. TRAP is an osteoclast marker. More info
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) inhibits osteoclastogenesis by binding to which ligand?
TNF-alpha
M-CSF
RANKL
OPGL
OPG is a decoy receptor for RANKL, preventing it from engaging RANK on osteoclast precursors, thus inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. M-CSF and TNF-alpha are separate regulators. More info
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is essential for the differentiation of which cells?
Fibroblasts
Osteoclast precursors
Chondrocytes
Osteoblasts
M-CSF supports survival and proliferation of mononuclear osteoclast precursors and works with RANKL to drive osteoclastogenesis. Osteoblasts arise from mesenchyme. More info
Which protein produced by osteocytes acts as a negative regulator of bone formation?
Osteonectin
Osteocalcin
Osteopontin
Sclerostin
Sclerostin, secreted by osteocytes, inhibits the Wnt signaling pathway in osteoblasts, reducing bone formation. Osteocalcin and osteopontin have other roles in matrix regulation. More info
In adults, red bone marrow is predominantly found where?
Periosteum
Medullary cavity of long bones
Diaphysis
Trabecular bone of axial skeleton
In adults, red marrow persists mainly in the vertebrae, ribs, sternum, pelvis, and proximal epiphyses of humerus and femur (axial skeleton). Yellow marrow fills most long bone shafts. More info
In the primary spongiosa of developing bone, the cartilage is replaced by what?
Fibrocartilage
Woven bone
Lamellar bone
Fibrous tissue
In endochondral ossification's primary spongiosa, calcified cartilage is invaded by blood vessels and osteoblasts lay down woven bone on cartilage remnants. It later remodels into lamellar bone. More info
Calcitriol is the active form of which vitamin?
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin K
Vitamin D
Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) is the hormonally active form of vitamin D, enhancing intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralization. It is produced in the kidney. More info
What histological pattern is characteristic of Paget's disease of bone?
Mosaic pattern of lamellar bone
Uniform lamellar bone
Woven bone only
Fibrous dysplasia
Paget's disease shows a chaotic mosaic of irregularly interwoven lamellar bone sheets separated by cement lines due to excessive remodeling. Fibrous dysplasia is a different pathology. More info
What distinguishes interstitial lamellae from circumferential lamellae?
Interstitial lamellae fill gaps between osteons
Circumferential lamellae form osteon centers
Circumferential lamellae are between osteons
Interstitial lamellae encircle the bone
Interstitial lamellae are remnants of old osteons located between active osteons. Circumferential lamellae line the outer and inner surfaces of the diaphysis encircling the entire shaft. More info
Which specialized structures allow osteoclasts to firmly adhere to bone surfaces?
Hemidesmosomes
Gap junctions
Desmosomes
Podosomes
Osteoclasts form a sealing zone with actin-rich podosomes that tightly attach to the bone matrix, isolating the resorption lacuna. Desmosomes and hemidesmosomes are epithelial junctions. More info
Mutations in LRP5 affect which signaling pathway important for bone mass?
Wnt/?-catenin pathway
Notch pathway
JAK/STAT pathway
Hedgehog pathway
LRP5 is a co-receptor in the Wnt/?-catenin signaling pathway, critical for osteoblast proliferation and bone formation. Mutations can lead to high or low bone mass phenotypes. More info
How long does a typical bone remodeling cycle take in adults?
1 year
3 - 4 months
2 - 3 days
1 - 2 weeks
A complete remodeling cycle of resorption and formation in basic multicellular units takes about 3 - 4 months in adult human cortical bone. The timeline varies with age and bone site. More info
What is the approximate percentage of cortical bone in the human skeleton?
50%
10%
20%
80%
Approximately 80% of the skeletal mass is cortical (compact) bone, providing strength and rigidity, while the remaining 20% is spongy (trabecular) bone. More info
What mechanism allows osteocytes to directly modify their perilacunar matrix?
Perilacunar remodeling
Intramembranous ossification
Apoptosis
Endochondral ossification
Osteocytes can perform perilacunar remodeling, secreting enzymes like MMPs and cathepsin K to resorb or deposit matrix around their lacunae, regulating mineral homeostasis. This is distinct from bone surface remodeling. More info
How does intermittent parathyroid hormone administration differ in effect from continuous administration?
Both have no effect on bone
Intermittent PTH is anabolic, continuous is catabolic
Both are equally catabolic
Intermittent is catabolic, continuous is anabolic
Intermittent PTH dosing stimulates osteoblast activity and bone formation, whereas chronic elevation of PTH increases bone resorption via osteoclast activation. This forms the basis for teriparatide therapy. More info
Which cellular organelle in osteoblasts is most involved in collagen synthesis?
Lysosome
Golgi apparatus
Rough endoplasmic reticulum
Mitochondria
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes and is the site of synthesis for secreted proteins including type I collagen by osteoblasts. The Golgi processes and packages collagen. More info
Bone sialoprotein is rich in which type of amino acid residue important for mineral binding?
Lysine
Phenylalanine
Tryptophan
Glutamic acid
Bone sialoprotein contains high levels of acidic amino acids, especially glutamic acid, which bind calcium ions and nucleate hydroxyapatite crystal formation in the matrix. More info
Which mechanosensory structure on osteocytes is critical for detection of fluid flow?
Desmosome
Primary cilium
Gap junction
Hemidesmosome
Osteocyte primary cilia protrude into the lacunar-canalicular system and sense mechanical fluid shear stress, triggering signaling pathways for bone adaptation. Gap junctions connect cells but do not sense flow. More info
0
{"name":"What is the primary structural unit of compact bone?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the primary structural unit of compact bone?, Which part of a long bone contains the medullary cavity?, Which membrane covers the outer surface of bone?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Bone Tissue Structures -

    Learn to recognize and name fundamental elements of bone histology, such as osteons, lamellae and the diaphysis.

  2. Describe Osteon Composition -

    Explain how an osteon contains osteocytes and lamellae arranged around a central canal and the significance of this organization for bone strength.

  3. Explain Diaphysis Surroundings -

    Understand which of these surrounds the diaphysis, including the roles of the periosteum and endosteum in bone growth and repair.

  4. Differentiate Bone Histology Quiz Concepts -

    Distinguish between various tissue types and structures encountered in a bone histology quiz and apply correct terminology under test conditions.

  5. Analyze Bone Tissue Organization -

    Break down the layered arrangement of lamellae and osteocytes to assess how microstructures contribute to overall skeletal function.

  6. Apply Knowledge in Quiz Format -

    Use your understanding of bone histology to confidently tackle questions in the bone tissue quiz and reinforce learning through active recall.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Microanatomy of the Osteon -

    In a bone histology quiz, remember that an osteon contains osteocytes and lamellae organized around a central Haversian canal, which houses blood vessels and nerves. Each osteocyte sits in a lacuna and communicates through canaliculi, creating a nutrient network. A useful mnemonic is "OCL" (Osteon: Canal, Lamellae) to recall its key components.

  2. The Periosteum Surrounds the Diaphysis -

    When asked "which of these surrounds the diaphysis" on a bone tissue quiz, the correct answer is the periosteum, a dense layer of vascular connective tissue. It features an outer fibrous layer for protection and an inner osteogenic layer rich in progenitor cells. Think "peri" means around, so periosteum literally wraps the shaft.

  3. Bone Matrix Mineralization and Composition -

    The extracellular matrix of bone is about 70% inorganic hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) and 30% organic collagen fibers, balancing rigidity with flexibility. This mineral-collagen combo gives bone its compressive strength and resilience against bending. If a bone tissue quiz asks for the formula, recall that hydroxyapatite crystals are the hard "rocks" of bone.

  4. Key Bone Cell Types and Their Roles -

    Osteoblasts build new bone, osteocytes maintain the matrix, and osteoclasts resorb bone; an easy way to remember is "blasts build, clasts crush, cytes clock after." In a bone histology quiz, distinguishing these cells by location and function is crucial. Osteocytes reside in lacunae, osteoblasts line active surfaces, and osteoclasts form ruffled borders at resorption sites.

  5. Lamellae Patterns in Compact Bone -

    Compact bone features concentric lamellae around each osteon, interstitial lamellae filling gaps, and circumferential lamellae encircling the diaphysis. In a bone tissue quiz, identify these layers by their arrangement: rings within rings for concentric, slivers between osteons for interstitial, and broad bands near the surface for circumferential. A simple trick is "CIC" (Concentric, Interstitial, Circumferential) to organize your review.

Powered by: Quiz Maker