Tag: Osteology

Comprising approximately 90% of the organic bone matrix, collagen is a fibrous protein that gives bone its flexible, tensile strength. This fact addresses a common point of confusion when asking, "Does bone contain fiber?" The answer depends entirely on the type of 'fiber' being referenced.

The human skeleton, a masterpiece of natural engineering, is composed of far more than just protein. Sixty-five percent of bone weight comes from a hard, inorganic mineral component. This critical mineral phase, predominantly a compound called hydroxyapatite, provides the remarkable hardness and structural rigidity that allow bones to support the body's weight and withstand everyday stress.

The adult human skeleton contains over 99% of the body's calcium. Understanding precisely which minerals make the bone matrix harder is essential for grasping skeletal biology and maintaining long-term bone health, particularly the role of calcium phosphate compounds.