Morphology and Structure of Bones in Human Body
Typically, a bone has the following structure:
- Compact Bone Tissue: It is the outermost part of bones and is very hard and dense.
- Spongy Bone Tissue: It is a sponge-like structure present inside the bone and is also called cancellous tissue or trabeculae. It forms a honeycomb-like structure. Thus it is soft and less dense as compared to compact bone tissue.
- Epiphyseal Line: It is present in long bones of the skeleton. It is a flat bony structure within the spongy bone tissue that supports the growing bone. It also provides strength to the weak part of growing bone.
- Blood Vessels: There is a network of blood vessels surrounding each bone of the body. It provides mainly oxygen and nutrients to different parts of bones.
- Bone Marrow: It forms the central part of bones. It is made up of soft and jelly-like living cells. These cells are also called stem cells and are carrying out a very important function of forming blood cells. Bone marrow is present in almost all bones where there are spongy bones present.
Morphology of bones vary depending on their location and function. They show diverse shapes, including long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid. For example:
- Long bones, like the femur, have a shaft and expanded ends, while short bones, such as those in the wrist, are cuboidal.
- Irregular bones, such as vertebrae, have complex shapes.
- Flat bones apprear dorsoventrally flat as in skull.
Bone Anatomy – Functions, and Types
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.
Each bone has a specific function and shape. Bone growth and remodeling occur throughout life. These processes are regulated by ossification and bone resorption. Let us discuss bones, their structure, function, and more in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Bone?
- Morphology and Structure of Bones in Human Body
- Cells of the Bone
- Types of Bones
- Functions of Bones
- What is Bone Resorption and Bone Remodelling
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