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Bones provide the structure for our bodies

The adult human skeleton is made up of 206 bones. These include the bones of the skull, spine (vertebrae), ribs, arms and legs. Bones are made of connective tissue reinforced with , where blood cells are made. to hold our body together and support freedom of movement.

This is called the musculoskeletal system

The skeleton supports and shapes the body and protects delicate internal organs such as the brain, heart and lungs. Bones contain most of our body’s calcium supply. The body is constantly building up and breaking down bone tissue as required.

Healthy bone needs a The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones, including bones of the: Feet – tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges. There are four different types of bone in the human body: – has a long, thin shape. Examples include the bones of the arms and legs (excluding the wrists, ankles and kneecaps).

With the help of muscles, long bones work as levers to permit movement. – has a squat, cubed shape. Examples include the bones that make up the wrists and the ankles. – has a flattened, broad surface. Examples include ribs, shoulder blades, breast bone and skull bones.

– has a shape that does not conform to the above three types. Examples include the bones of the spine (vertebrae). The different layers of bone tissue include:

  • the porous honeycombed material found inside most bones which allows the bone to be strong yet lightweight – the jelly-like substance found inside the cavities of some bones (including the pelvis) that produces blood cells

Bone marrow is where blood cells are made

The three different types of blood cell made by bone marrow include: – carry oxygen around the body. – make up the body’s immune system. – are used for clotting. Our body is constantly remodelling its skeleton by building up and breaking down bone tissue as required.

As a result, each bone is rebuilt from scratch about every decade. The bone cells involved in this process include:

  • – the cells that break down old bone tissue. Many factors work together to ensure the strength
  • health of bones

Bone density relies on: Various hormones including parathyroid hormone, growth hormone, calcitonin, oestrogen and testosterone Some conditions of bone include:

  • primary bone cancers include osteosarcomas

However, most cancers found in bone have spread from other organs such as the.

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Most bones also contain bone marrow Bones work with muscles and joints balanced diet , regular weight-bearing exercise and the right levels of various hormones The skeleton Skull – including the jaw bone Spine – cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, sacrum and tailbone (coccyx) Chest – ribs and breastbone (sternum) Arms – shoulder blade (scapula), collar bone (clavicle), humerus, radius and ulna Hands – wrist bones (carpals), metacarpals and phalanges Pelvis – hip bones Legs – thigh bone (femur), kneecap (patella), shin bone (tibia) and fibula Bone types Long bone Short bone Flat bone Irregular bone Bone tissue Periosteum – the dense, tough outer shell that contains blood vessels and nerves Compact or dense tissue – the hard, smooth layer that protects the tissue within Spongy or cancellous tissue Bone marrow Bone marrow Red blood cells White blood cells Platelets Bone cells Osteoblasts – the cells that build bone tissue Osteocytes – the cells that maintain bone tissue by controlling the mineral and calcium content Osteoclasts Bone density A steady supply of dietary calcium Adequate vitamin D from sunshine and food A healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals Regular weight-bearing exercise Bone conditions Fractures – broken bones of various types Osteoporosis – loss of bone density and strength Osteomyelitis –­ infection of the bone Osteitis –­ bone inflammation, for example, Paget’s disease of the bone Acromegaly – overgrowth of bones in the face, hands and feet Fibrous dysplasia – abnormal growth or swelling of bone Rickets – a child’s growing bones fail to develop due to a lack of vitamin D Multiple myeloma – cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow Bone cancer – breast , prostate , lung or kidney Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Healthy Bones United States Musculoskeletal United States 1800 263 265 NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0024 – for expert health information and advice 24 hours, 7 days.