1.1. Explain the structure and composition of bone tissue

Articular cartilage, also known as Hyaline cartilage, lays on the surface of a bone. The articular cartilage is typically depicted in four zones; the superficial zone, the transitional zone, the radial zone, and the calcified zone (James and Uhl, 2001, pp.414). Each zone, within the articular cartilage, has an important role in supporting movement and reducing friction. Supporting this, Barber (2007, pp.742) states that damage to any of these zones would result in progressive deterioration, and alterations to the normal biomechanical properties within the articular cartilage. This suggests that any damage to the articular cartilage will result in deterioration of bone and reduction …show more content…
This implies that the epiphyseal line is formed due to the synthesis of bone by the osteoblasts; as osteoblasts have a vital role in supporting the formation of bone. Moreover, NCI (http://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/skeletal/growth.html) states that bone growth is under the influence of growth hormone, from the pituitary gland, and sex hormones. This suggests that there are a variety of factors that influence the speed at which bone grows; thus influencing the formation of the epiphyseal …show more content…
Located in the wrist and ankle joints, short bones provide stability and some movement. The carpals in the wrist (scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, hamate, pisiform, capitate, trapezoid, and trapezium) and the tarsals in the ankles (calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid, lateral cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, and medial cuneiform) are examples of short bones. (learn.visiblebody.com, 2015)

Flat Bone.
There are flat bones in the skull (occipital, parietal, frontal, nasal, lacrimal, and vomer), the thoracic cage (sternum and ribs), and the pelvis (ilium, ischium, and pubis). The function of flat bones is to protect internal organs such as the brain, heart, and pelvic organs. Flat bones are somewhat flattened, and can provide protection, like a shield; flat bones can also provide large areas of attachment for muscles. (learn.visiblebody.com, 2015)

Irregular bones vary in shape and structure and therefore do not fit into any other category (flat, short, long, or sesamoid). They often have a fairly complex shape, which helps protect internal organs. For example, the vertebrae, irregular bones of the vertebral column, protect the spinal cord. The irregular bones of the pelvis (pubis, ilium, and ischium) protect organs in the pelvic cavity. (learn.visiblebody.com,