Bones in an alive person look different than bones in a dead person or model. How do they look different? What are some functions of bones in a living body that cannot be observed in dried skeletons?(4 points)

Answer 1

Bones in a living person have several distinguishing features and functions that are not evident in dried skeletons or models:

1. Color and Texture: In a living person, bones have a smooth, shiny appearance due to the presence of a layer called the periosteum, which is a connective tissue that covers the outer surface of the bones. This layer is rich in blood vessels and nerves, giving living bones a more vibrant color compared to the dull, often white appearance of dried bones.

2. Bone Marrow: Living bones contain bone marrow, which is found in the hollow cavities of long bones. Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells (red and white blood cells as well as platelets) and is crucial for the body's immune function and overall health. This function cannot be observed in a dried skeleton.

3. Remodeling and Growth: In a living body, bones are dynamic, undergoing constant remodeling through a process called bone remodeling where old bone tissue is broken down and new bone tissue is formed. This process supports growth, repair, and adaptation to stress. In contrast, dried skeletons are static and do not exhibit this vital process.

4. Response to Stress: Living bones respond to physical stress and strain through a process called Wolff's Law, which states that bone density increases in response to mechanical loading. For example, bones become stronger and denser with regular weight-bearing exercises. This adaptability is completely lost in a dried skeleton, which cannot change in response to external forces.

These distinctions illustrate the key biological and physiological roles that living bones play, which cannot be observed in their non-living counterparts.