- 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.
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.
![]() |
| FLAT BONE |
![]() |
| LONG BONE |
![]() |
| SHORT BONE |
![]() |
| IRREGULAR BONE |
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.
![]() |
| RED MARROW |
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, .
![]() |
| Parts of a Bone |
Part 4: Chemical Composition of Bone:
Do treated bones retain the structure of untreated specimens?
Describe what happened to the matrix when the bone was baked. How does this bone feel?
The matrix hardened and became ashy and was very difficult to poke through. The bone was hard.
The matrix hardened and became ashy and was very difficult to poke through. The bone was hard.
Describe what happened to the matrix when the bone was soaked in acid. How does this bone feel?
The bone began to feel softer around the edges. The matrix was soft and very easy to poke through.
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. Three functions are to protect the oragan, framework for muscles and blood cells are formed within bones.
- Identify the four main kinds of bones. Flat bone, Irregular bone, Long bone, Short bone
- Which surface bone markings and their function can you identify and describe?
Central (Haversian) Canal: Longitudinal canal, carrying blood vessels and nerves
Lamellae: layers of calcified matrix
Lacunae: "residences" of osteocytes
Canaliculi: tiny canals, connecting lacunae
Osteocyte (mature bone cells): maintain bone in a viable state. - Which major anatomical areas on a longitudinally cut long bone (or diagram of one) can you identify?
The spongy bone, compact bone, and epiphyseal line - Which major regions and structures of an osteon in a histological specimen of compact bone (or diagram or model of one) can you identify?
Lacuna, lamella, osteocyte, canaliculus, central canal, and matrix - Explain the role of the inorganic salts and organic matrix in providing flexibility and hardness to bone.
The inorganic salts allow the bone to become hard, while the collagen fibers allow the bone to be flexible. When the inorganic matrix is removed the bone becomes brittle, and when the organic matrix is removed the bone becomes flexible.










