Bone Anatomy
Beginner’s Guide to Bone Anatomy
Every human structure is primarily constructed of bone; anatomy studies of the relationships between the bones are an intensely complex devotion.
The human vertebrae have many purposes. Bones provide a structure that bears the body and gives it its shape. Muscles use bones to cling to in order to stay in place; a synergistic relationship, as the bone uses the muscle to perform actions. The bony network of bone anatomy serves to protect internal organs that are vital to the life of the individual, such as the brain, lungs and heart. These same bones act as warehouses, as well; storing calcium, magnesium and more.
Bones have a unique structure. Incredible strong, they are composed of a variety of minerals and proteins on their hard outsides called “compact tissue”. Inward, bones have a soft center called marrow or “cancellous tissue”, where blood cells are formed; red blood cells, some of the white blood cells and blood platelets. It is a common belief that the bone anatomy is nothing but dead cells. In reality, the bone anatomy is made up of living material, bone cells, fats and blood vessels, as well as water and minerals that are non-living. At the end of each bone is a smooth tissue called subchondral, or cartilage which is a connective tissue. Bone development in children begins with the subchondral tissue.
As adults, the human body has 206 bones. The longest of these bones is about 20 inches long, and happens also to be the strongest of all the bones in the human structure; the thighbone. The tiniest in the bone anatomy is located in the inner ear, called the stirrup bone which measures just over a ½ inch long. Size does not dictate the importance of a bone, however.
When two or more bones come together, they form a joint. There are joints, such as the ones located in the skull, which have extremely limited movement, while other joints permit one directional movement, as in elbows and knees. These last must be connected with ligaments, connective tissue that is sturdy. The head, however, is able to move in multiple directions, thanks to a pivot joint within the vertebrae.
In fetal development, cartilage is predominant throughout the bone anatomy. Through adolescence, bone tissues are constantly breaking down and rebuilding according to the body’s needs. This enables the skeleton to grow. As we age, the tissue breakdown increases and the calcium deposits decrease; making our bones weaker.
The study of bone anatomy requires knowledge of not just the structure of bones, but also how age, conditions and outside influences will affect them. A complex study of an intricate system, bone anatomy expertise is crucial as the human structure is one of the strongest keys to our survival.