The essay outlines the process of diagnosing and treating bone fractures, specifically focusing on the biology of bone types and repair mechanisms. In her project, Vanessa, explores the biology of bones, starting with the distinction between cortical and cancellous bones. Cortical bones, dense and solid, are composed of osteons, while cancellous (spongy) bones are made up of trabecular plates and rods. The essay explains that bones can be categorized into four types: long bones (like the femur or radius), short bones (like the tarsals or carpal bones), flat bones (like the skull or mandible), and irregular bones (like the vertebrae and hyoid). Vanessa identifies her injury as involving a short, cortical bone. The bulk of the essay then focuses on the process of bone repair, specifically secondary bone repair, which is more common than primary repair. Secondary bone repair involves four main stages: hematoma formation, angiogenesis, fibrocartilage formation, and bone remodeling. The hematoma forms a temporary mold for the callus, while angiogenesis involves the growth of new blood vessels. Fibrocartilage formation, involving mesenchymal stem cells, leads to the development of a soft callus, which gradually ossifies into a hard callus. Through this personal narrative, the essay not only shares a medical journey but also explores the intricacies of bone biology, providing insight into the body’s amazing ability to heal itself. Vanessa concludes with a funny yet cautionary note, advising against dropping heavy objects on one’s feet, despite the valuable educational experience she gained.
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The essay outlines the process of diagnosing and treating bone fractures, specifically focusing on the biology of bone types and repair mechanisms. In her project, Vanessa, explores the biology of bones, starting with the distinction between cortical and cancellous bones. Cortical bones, dense and solid, are composed of osteons, while cancellous (spongy) bones are made up of trabecular plates and rods. The essay explains that bones can be categorized into four types: long bones (like the femur or radius), short bones (like the tarsals or carpal bones), flat bones (like the skull or mandible), and irregular bones (like the vertebrae and hyoid). Vanessa identifies her injury as involving a short, cortical bone. The bulk of the essay then focuses on the process of bone repair, specifically secondary bone repair, which is more common than primary repair. Secondary bone repair involves four main stages: hematoma formation, angiogenesis, fibrocartilage formation, and bone remodeling. The hematoma forms a temporary mold for the callus, while angiogenesis involves the growth of new blood vessels. Fibrocartilage formation, involving mesenchymal stem cells, leads to the development of a soft callus, which gradually ossifies into a hard callus. Through this personal narrative, the essay not only shares a medical journey but also explores the intricacies of bone biology, providing insight into the body’s amazing ability to heal itself. Vanessa concludes with a funny yet cautionary note, advising against dropping heavy objects on one’s feet, despite the valuable educational experience she gained.