Virtual Long Bone Dissection
Directions:
1. Go to the following website:
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/bone-viewer-game/index.html
2. Read through the “Introduction” and “How to Play”
3. Click “Play.”
Part A: Explore (Bone Anatomy Viewer)
Use the tools provided to have a look inside a virtual long bone. Play
around with this option to familiarize yourself with bone anatomy, and
fill out the structures’ functions in the table below.
Bone Structure: Function:
Compact Bone Compact bone (or cortical bone) forms the
hard external layer of all bones and surrounds
the medullary cavity, or bone marrow.
It/provides protection and strength to bones.
Spongy Bone The bone marrow makes blood cells and
stores fat. Spongy bone (also called
cancellous bone) is made up of small, needle-
like pieces of bone arranged like a
honeycomb. Spongy bone/helps to lessen the
weight of a bone while still providing strength.
Cartilage ability to resist compressive forces, enhance
bone resilience, and provide support on bony
areas where there is a need for flexibility.
Osteon As the functional and structural unit of
compact bone, the osteon is/responsible for
the strength of the bone, the influx of nutrients
into the bone, and waste removal from the
bone.
Red Bone Marrow Red bone marrow/produces blood
cells/(hematopoiesis). Stem cells in your red
bone marrow (hematopoietic stem cells)
create red and white blood cells and platelets,
all of which are components of your whole
