A strong set of bones isn’t something to fear—it’s essential for keeping your body running smoothly. Bones don’t just hold your softer parts in place; they’re dynamic, living tissues that constantly change and renew.

The Living Structure of Bone

Though bones may appear lifeless in museums, inside your body, they are alive and active. Each bone consists of:

• Compact tissue: The hard outer layer providing strength.
• Cancellous tissue: A spongy, lighter inner layer.
• Bone marrow: A liquid-filled core responsible for producing blood cells.

A network of veins and arteries nourishes the bone, while the periosteum, a fibrous membrane, aids in repair and growth. Only joints and attachment points for tendons and ligaments remain uncovered by the periosteum.

Throughout life, bones adapt—fusing, healing from trauma, and reshaping—all while constantly remodelling.

What Do Bones Do?

While bones don’t move on their own, they anchor muscles, allowing movement.

Modern science has uncovered their deeper roles. Bones:

• Protect vital organs: The skull shields the brain, while the ribs guard the heart and lungs.
• Produce blood cells: Bone marrow generates red and white blood cells, crucial for oxygen transport and immunity.
• Store minerals: About 99% of the body’s calcium and 85% of its phosphorus are stored in bones, released as needed for muscle and nerve function.
• Regulate hormones: The hormone osteocalcin, produced by bones, helps trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response.

Babies are born with nearly 300 bones, many made of cartilage. This flexible tissue helps new-borns navigate birth but gradually hardens. By adulthood, the number reduces to 206, as some bones fuse.

Even in adulthood, bones don’t remain static. Through remodelling, old bone is broken down, minerals are recycled, and new bone is formed. Every 10 years, your skeleton is effectively replaced, ensuring strength and resilience. In conclusion, Bones are far more than lifeless structures—they are active, complex, and essential for survival.