Bone is a rigid body tissue consisting of cells embedded in an abundant hard intercellular material. Bone tissue makes up the individual bones of the skeletons of vertebrates. Its two principle components are collagen and calcium phosphate.

Understanding the Context

Bone tissue comprises cortical bone and cancellous bone, although bones may also contain other kinds of tissue including bone marrow, endosteum, periosteum, nerves, blood vessels, and cartilage. In the human body at birth, approximately 300 bones are present. Bones are classified by their shape. They may be long (like the femur and forearm), short (like the wrist and ankle), flat (like the skull), or irregular (like the spine).

Key Insights

Primarily, they are referred to as long or short. There are 206 bones in the adult human skeleton. Bones are essential organs of the skeletal system in vertebrates, providing structural support and protection to internal organs. They also facilitate movement, blood cell production, and mineral storage. Bones in the human body are made of bone tissue, cartilage, marrow, blood vessels, and nerves.

Final Thoughts

Each bone has a specific function and shape. BONE is an interdisciplinary forum for the rapid publication of original articles and reviews on basic, translational, and clinical aspects of bone and mineral metabolism, including rare bone diseases. Bone tissue (osseous tissue) differs greatly from other tissues in the body. Bone is hard and many of its functions depend on that characteristic hardness. Later discussions in this chapter will show that bone is also dynamic in that its shape adjusts to accommodate stresses. Bones form the scaffolding that hold the body together and allow it to move.

They also help protect vital organs, store minerals, and provide an environment for creating bone marrow. By... Bones are your body’s structural support. There are between 206 and 213 bones in the body.