1. Disks of rubbery cartilage are found between the individual bones in the spinal column. What function do you think these disks serve?
2. Growth plates contain dividing cartilage cells that increase the size of a bone until a person reaches his or her adult height. A typical long bone such as the femur contrains spongy bone and compact bone. Within compact bone are Haversian canals, which contrail blood vessels and nerves. What could be a result if a child breaks a bone and damages the growth plate?
3. Blood vessels bring oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Ligaments contain fewer blood vessels than some other kinds of tissues contain. How might this situation affect the rate of healing in injured ligaments? Explain your answer.
4. Why is it important for the body to be able to build up and break down bone tissue?