The way compact bone is built is really important for how it works.
Compact bone, which is also called cortical bone, is thick and makes up the outer layer of bones. On the inside, there is spongy bone. Here’s how the structure of compact bone helps it do its job:
Osteon Arrangement: Compact bone is made up of tiny units called osteons (or Haversian systems). These are like little cylinders that have a central canal in the middle, surrounded by layers of bone. This special arrangement gives the bone strength and support, which helps it handle pressure when we run, jump, or do other activities.
Weight Bearing: Because compact bone is dense, it can hold a lot of weight. For example, the femur, which is the thigh bone, is mostly made of compact bone. This bone supports the whole weight of the upper body when we move around.
Protection: Compact bone surrounds spongy bone, which contains bone marrow that makes our blood cells. This outer layer keeps the soft tissues inside safe from injury.
Mineral Storage: Compact bone acts like a storage box for important minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. When the levels of these minerals in the blood go up or down, compact bone can either release or store them to keep everything balanced in our bodies.
In short, the way compact bone is structured helps it support our bodies, protect important parts inside, and hold onto necessary minerals.
The way compact bone is built is really important for how it works.
Compact bone, which is also called cortical bone, is thick and makes up the outer layer of bones. On the inside, there is spongy bone. Here’s how the structure of compact bone helps it do its job:
Osteon Arrangement: Compact bone is made up of tiny units called osteons (or Haversian systems). These are like little cylinders that have a central canal in the middle, surrounded by layers of bone. This special arrangement gives the bone strength and support, which helps it handle pressure when we run, jump, or do other activities.
Weight Bearing: Because compact bone is dense, it can hold a lot of weight. For example, the femur, which is the thigh bone, is mostly made of compact bone. This bone supports the whole weight of the upper body when we move around.
Protection: Compact bone surrounds spongy bone, which contains bone marrow that makes our blood cells. This outer layer keeps the soft tissues inside safe from injury.
Mineral Storage: Compact bone acts like a storage box for important minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. When the levels of these minerals in the blood go up or down, compact bone can either release or store them to keep everything balanced in our bodies.
In short, the way compact bone is structured helps it support our bodies, protect important parts inside, and hold onto necessary minerals.