What is Bone?
Our bones are a vital component of the human body, consisting of two essential components: collagen and calcium. Collagen makes up around 30% of bone mass and provides the framework and structure for bones, while calcium accounts for approximately 70% of bone mass and provides strength and rigidity.
There are two main types of bone structures in our body: cortical and trabecular. Cortical bones are the dense, hard outer layer of bones, while trabecular bones are located on the inside of cortical bones and have a spongy, honeycomb-like structure.
Bone is a complex and dynamic tissue that plays several important roles in our body. Along with providing structural support, bones protect our internal organs, store calcium and other minerals, and help produce blood cells in the bone marrow.
Throughout our lives, bones are continually remodeled through the activities of specialized cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts build new bone tissue, while osteoclasts break down and remove old bone tissue.
The structure of bone can be divided into several layers, including the periosteum, which is the outer layer that covers the bone, the cortical bone, which is the dense outer layer, the trabecular bone, which is the spongy inner layer, and the bone marrow, which is located within the trabecular bone.
Maintaining healthy bones is critical for overall health and well-being. In addition to consuming sufficient amounts of calcium and other bone-building nutrients, weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, and weightlifting can help maintain bone density and strength.
Medical conditions such as osteoporosis can lead to a loss of bone density and an increased risk of fractures. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy bones throughout our lives through a combination of proper nutrition, exercise, and medical care when necessary.
Sources
“What Is Bone?” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/what-is-bone.