Bone formation

Bones are living tissue which have their own blood vessels and are made of various cells, proteins, minerals and vitamins. This structure enables them to grow, transform and repair themselves throughout life. 

We are born with about 300 soft bones which later fuse together, resulting in an adult skeleton with 206 bones.

Our bones provide structural support for the body, protection for our vital organs, an environment for marrow to make blood and as a storage area for minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.

Most bones have a compact outer, hard strong and dense layer and a cancellous spongy inner less dense layer comprised of bone forming, resorbing cells and a collagen matrix with minerlals in the center..

We are constantly making bone through a process of building, dying digesting and remodelling, stimulated by pressure and hormonal responses.

The hardness and rigidity of bone is due to the presence of mineral salts in the osteoid matrix, which is a crystalline complex of calcium and phosphate (hydroxyapatite). Calcified bone contains about 25% organic matrix (2-5% of which are cells), 5% water and 70% inorganic mineral (hydroxyapatite).

Once peak bone mass has been achieved in our mid 20’s the bone mass and structural integrity is maintained by a process called remodelling.

More specifically, remodelling is the replacement of old tissue by new bone tissue and continues throughout life so that most of the adult skeleton is replaced about every 10 years. This process involves the coupling of bone formation and bone resorption and consists of five complicated on going phases..

written by Marjolein Brugman

Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."