Health Essentials: Bones Made Simple

The skeletal system has mineral (67%) and protein (33%) components. The mineral component provides the firmness, while the protein (such as the collagen fibers), provides a resistance to tension.

Have you heard the relationship between calcium and strong bones?
Technically, bone tissue is strengthened with small calcium salts, which represent the majority of the calcium reserves (storage) of the body. In matter of fact, bone is not only a mineral compound, but a very dynamic vascular system that can take and mobilize extracellular calcium levels when needed.

That is why insufficient calcium levels can compromise and reduce mineral density, possibly leading to osteopenia. Osteopenia refers to when the bone mineral density (“BMD”) is low and can lead to the irreversible decrease of mineral bone tissue, or osteoporosis. BMD refers to the mineral concentration on the bones.

Picture the skeleton as complex systems of levers and support, consisting of mainly two segments.
The axial segment consists of the skull, vertebral column, and the rib cage and the appendicular skeleton consists of the limbs. The axial skeleton protects the central nervous system, while the appendicular system supports movements.

Do you remember back when puzzle shapes had a purpose?
The same applies to bones, of which come in different shapes and sizes. Bones include long (arms and legs), short (hands and feet), irregular (uniquely shaped such as the vertebra), and flat (scapulae). In short (excuse the pun), long bones are levers which contain large marrow cavities to support blood cell formations; short bones make elaborate formations to support postural balance; flat bones support large forces; and irregular bones manage unique arrangements.

People do not picture bones with being active, but in reality, they are just that.
Bones recycle and renew organic and mineral compounds, adapt to stress, and most importantly, grow. Bone matures and grows in many ways. Bone mass represents the surface area of the bone and is associated with appositional growth, where new layers of rigid tissue grow on already existing bones.  Bone length is through endochondral growth, where cartilage is replaced and ossified. So how do you promote bone development? Well you may only need to listen to your grandparents or parents when they said, “milk helps build strong bones and playing makes you fit”. The recipe is proper consumption of Vitamin D and Calcium, with the application of resistance training.

Knowledge of your bones is significant to understanding the human body. And having extensive knowledge to functional anatomy can help employ new awareness for physical self-sustainment.