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Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues
Chapter 5, Problem 6

Wolff's law is concerned with a. calcium homeostasis of the blood b. the shape of a bone being determined by mechanical stresses placed on it c. the electrical charge on bone surfaces.

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1
Identify the key concept of Wolff's law in anatomy and physiology.
Understand that Wolff's law relates to the adaptation of bone structure in response to mechanical stress.
Consider the options provided in the problem and relate them to the concept of Wolff's law.
Option a refers to calcium homeostasis, which is not directly related to Wolff's law.
Option b describes the relationship between bone shape and mechanical stress, which aligns with Wolff's law.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Wolff's Law

Wolff's Law states that bone in a healthy person or animal will adapt to the loads under which it is placed. This means that the shape and density of bone are influenced by the mechanical stresses it experiences, leading to changes in bone structure to better support those stresses.
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Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a continuous process where old bone tissue is replaced by new bone tissue. This process is influenced by various factors, including mechanical stress, hormones, and nutritional status, and is essential for maintaining bone strength and integrity throughout life.
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Mechanical Stress

Mechanical stress refers to the forces applied to a bone, which can result from activities such as weight-bearing exercises or physical labor. These stresses stimulate bone remodeling and adaptation, leading to changes in bone density and structure in response to the demands placed on it.
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