Bone
Bone
Bone (/boʊn/; from Old English: bān) is a rigid organ that constitutes part of the vertebrate skeleton in animals. Bones protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells, store minerals, provide structure and support for the body, and enable mobility. Bones come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have a complex internal and external structure.
Etymology
The word "bone" derives from the Old English bān, which in turn is derived from the Proto-Germanic *bainaz.
Structure
Bones have a variety of forms but are fundamentally composed of two types of tissue: compact bone (also known as cortical bone), which is dense, strong, and forms the outer layer of the bone, and cancellous bone (also known as trabecular or spongy bone), which is lighter and found inside bones, providing support and flexibility.
Compact Bone
Compact bone is the hard outer layer of bones that provides most of their strength. It is composed of multiple layers of osteons, which are cylindrical structures that contain a mineral matrix and osteocytes.
Cancellous Bone
Cancellous bone is the spongy interior of bones, which provides support and flexibility. It is composed of trabeculae, which are a network of rod- and plate-like elements that make the overall structure sturdy.
Function
Bones have many functions, including providing structure, protecting organs, anchoring muscles, and storing calcium. Long bones, such as the femur and humerus, are hard and dense. They provide strength, structure, and mobility. Short bones, such as the carpals and tarsals, are smaller and allow for more complex movement.
Related Terms
- Osteology: The study of bones.
- Osteocyte: A cell that lies within the substance of fully formed bone.
- Osteon: The fundamental functional unit of much compact bone.
- Trabecula: A small, often microscopic, tissue element in the form of a small beam, strut or rod that supports or anchors a framework of parts within a body or organ.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bone
- Wikipedia's article - Bone
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