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bones

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Bones are organs that make up the skeleton. They are rigid and provide support for the body, protect organs, store minerals, and produce blood cells.

Bones are made up of two main types of tissue: compact bone and cancellous bone. Compact bone is the hard, outer layer of bone. It is made up of tightly packed bone cells. Cancellous bone is the spongy inner layer of bone. It is made up of a network of trabeculae, which are thin, bony plates.

Bones are also home to a number of other tissues, including bone marrow, blood vessels, and nerves. Bone marrow is the soft tissue that fills the cavities in bones. It is responsible for producing blood cells. Blood vessels bring nutrients and oxygen to bones, and nerves carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to bones.

Bones are constantly being remodelled, which means that they are being broken down and rebuilt. This process is important for keeping bones strong and healthy. The process of bone remodelling is regulated by a number of factors, including hormones, diet, and exercise.

Here are some of the functions of bones:

  • Support: Bones provide support for the body. They help to keep the body upright and to protect organs.
  • Movement: Bones work with muscles to help us move. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on a bone, which causes the bone to move.
  • Protection: Bones protect organs from injury. For example, the skull protects the brain, and the ribcage protects the heart and lungs.
  • Storage: Bones store minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are important for keeping our bones strong and healthy.
  • Blood cell production: Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells. These cells are essential for the body's immune system and for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Here are some of the diseases that can affect bones:

  • Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. This can lead to fractures, even from minor falls.
  • Osteogenesis imperfecta: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder that causes bones to be fragile. This can lead to fractures, even from minor injuries.
  • Rickets: Rickets is a condition that is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. This can lead to soft bones and skeletal deformities.

How can the word be used?

The bones in my hand are aching.

bones

Different forms of the word

Singular: bone.

Plural: bones.

Adjective: bony.

Etymology

The word "bones" comes from the Old English word bān, which means "bone." The Old English word bān is thought to be related to the Proto-Germanic word bōnō, which also means "bone.".

Question

How many bones make up the human skeleton?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

What are the different types of bones in the human body?

Answer:

The human body has 206 bones, which are classified into four main types:

Long bones: Long bones are the longest bones in the body. They are used for support and movement. Examples of long bones include the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the humerus (upper arm bone).

Long bones.

Short bones: Short bones are the smallest bones in the body. They are used for support and stability. Examples of short bones include the carpals (wrist bones) and the tarsals (ankle bones).

Short bones.

Flat bones: Flat bones are thin and flat. They are used for protection and for providing a surface for muscle attachment. Examples of flat bones include the skull, the ribs, and the sternum (breastbone).

Flat bones.

Irregular bones: Irregular bones are any bones that do not fit into the other three categories. They are often used for protection or for providing a surface for muscle attachment. Examples of irregular bones include the vertebrae (bones in the spine) and the sacrum (bone at the base of the spine).

Irregular bones.