Compact (Cortical) Bone: A Hard Outer Layer That Is Dense, Strong, and Durable. It Makes Up Around 80

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Bones have many functions.

They support the body structurally, protect our vital organs, and allow us to move.
Also, they provide an environment for bone marrow, where the blood cells are created, and they act as a storage
area for minerals, particularly calcium.
At birth, we have around 270 soft bones. As we grow, some of these fuse. Once we reach adulthood, we have
206 bones.
The largest bone in the human body is the thighbone or femur, and the smallest is the stapes in the middle ear,
which are just 3 millimeters (mm) long.
Bones are mostly made of the protein collagen, which forms a soft framework. The mineral calcium phosphate
hardens this framework, giving it strength. More than 99 percent of our body’s calcium is held in our bones and
teeth.

Bones are composed of two types of tissue:

1. Compact (cortical) bone: A hard outer layer that is dense, strong, and durable. It makes up around 80
percent of adult bone mass.

2. Cancellous (trabecular or spongy) bone: This consists of a network of trabeculae or rod-like structures. It


is lighter, less dense, and more flexible than compact bone.

Also found in bones:

 osteoblasts and osteocytes, responsible for creating bone


 osteoclasts or bone resorbing cells
 osteoid, a mix of collagen and other proteins
 inorganic mineral salts within the matrix
 nerves and blood vessels
 bone marrow
 cartilage
 membranes, including the endosteum and periosteum

 Types of bone

 There are five types of bones in the human body:

 Long bones: These are mostly compacted bone with little marrow and include most of the bones in the
limbs. These bones tend to support weight and help movement.
 Short bones: Only a thin layer of compact bone, these include bones of the wrist and ankle.

 Flat bones: Usually bones that are thin and curved. They consist of two outer layers of compact bone
and an inner layer of spongy bone. Flat bones include most of the bones of the skull and the sternum or
breastbone. They tend to have a protective role.

 Sesamoid bones: These are embedded in tendons, such as the patella or kneecap. They protect tendons
from wear and stress.

 Irregular bones: As their name implies, these are bones that do not fit into the first four categories and
are an unusual shape. They include the bones of the spine and pelvis. They are often protecting organs or
tissues.

 Bones of the skeleton are split into two groups:


Appendicular skeleton — bones of the limbs, shoulders, and pelvic girdle. Upper and lower limbs, shoulder
and hip bones

 Axial skeleton — bones of the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage. Skull, vertebral column, rib cage,
center pelvis

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