COMPOSITION OF BONES
14.2.1 Organic Components
a. Collagen: Collagen is the primary organic component of bone tissue, accounting for approximately 90% of the organic matrix. It provides tensile strength and flexibility to bones, allowing them to withstand bending and stretching forces without breaking.
Collagen fibers are arranged in a crisscross pattern, forming a scaffold for mineral deposition.b. Non-Collagenous Proteins: In addition to collagen, bone tissue contains various non-collagenous proteins that contribute to its structure and function. These proteins include osteocalcin, osteopon- tin, bone sialoprotein, and others. They regulate mieralization, cell signaling, and bone remodeling processes.
14.2.2 Inorganic Components
a. Hydroxyapatite: Hydroxyapatite is the primary inorganic component of bone tissue, accounting for approximately 70% of bone mass. It is a crystalline form of calcium phosphate, represented by the chemical formula Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. Hydroxyapatite crystals provide compressive strength and rigidity to bones, making them resistant to deformation and fracture.
b. Other Minerals: In addition to calcium and phosphate, bones contain trace amounts of other minerals essential for bone health, including magnesium, potassium, sodium, and fluoride. These minerals play various roles in bone metabolism, such as regulating mineral deposition and bone remodeling processes.
14.2.3 Water
Water constitutes approximately 25-30% of bone tissue by weight. It fills the spaces within the bone matrix and facilitates nutrient transport, waste removal, and cellular communication within the bone tissue. Water content influences the mechanical properties of bones, affecting their strength, stiffness, and resilience.
14.3