COMPOSITION OF BONE
Bone, like any living tissue is composed of cells in an extracellular matrix.
This matrix consists inorganic and organic components.
ORGANIC
- consists of proteoglycans, glycoproteins and collagen fibres.
- collagen fibres provide tensile strength and flexibility.
- this organic osteoid comprises 1/3 of bone weight.
INORGANIC
- consists mostly of crystals of calcium hydroxyapatite
- derived from interaction of calcium phosphate and calcium hydroxide
- a small amount of magnesium, fluoride and sulphate.
The hardness of bone is attributed to these minerals. This combination produces a composite that is strong, flexible, resistant to shattering and ideally suited to carrying out its functions.