What Are Bones Made Of?
The human skeletal system is made up of more than 206 bones, and each type has a different purpose and structure. Many of us know that bones are made of minerals like calcium, but there is more to them than meets the eye. Curious to know what your bones are made of? Let’s break it down!
The Makeup of Bones
The majority of our bones consist of collagen, an abundant protein with an incredibly strong, yet flexible structure. This provides bones with strength and elasticity, allowing them to highly resistant to tension. The combination of collagen and minerals make bones extremely stiff and hard, yet also capable of absorbing impacts without cracking or breaking.
The mineral content of bones is mostly composed of calcium and phosphorus, which porous framework helps keep minerals in the bone. This combination makes bones extremely hard and provides the necessary nutrients for our body to stay healthy and repair injuries.
Other minerals found in our bones include sodium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. The exact ratios of these minerals vary between individuals, however, they all play a role in keeping our bones healthy and stable.
The Structure of Bones
Our bones are made up of several different parts, each performing its own important function. The Clam Shell is the outer shell of bones, providing a strong and protective covering. Underneath this is the Spongy Region which is filled with tiny holes that provide a cushion-like structure and act as a shock absorber. Finally, the inner layer of bones, known as the Bone Marrow, is filled with capillaries which continually provide the bones with nutrients.
The cortex is the outer layer of the bone also known as the Compact Region. It contains densely packed cells and provides strength to the structure of the bone. Finally, the Periosteum is the membrane on the outside of the bone which is responsible for providing blood vessels, nutrients, and structural stability.
Conclusion
The human skeletal system is incredibly strong and resilient due to the unique combination of collagen and minerals that make up our bones. This mixture of minerals provides the varying degrees of hardness, stiffness and cushioning needed for our bones to remain healthy and functional. Knowing the makeup of our bones can help us better understand their purposes and how we can best care for them.