Bone

Bone is a type of hard endoskeletal connective tissue found in many vertebrate animals. Bones support body structures, protect internal organs, and (in conjunction with muscles) facilitate movement; are also involved with cell formation, calcium metabolism, and mineral storage. The bones of an animal are, collectively, known as the skeleton. Bone has a different composition than cartilage, and both are derived from mesoderm. In common parlance, cartilage can also be called "bone", certainly when referring to animals that only have cartilage as hard connective tissue, such as cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes) like sharks. True bone is present in bony fish (Osteichthyes) and all tetrapods.

Functions

Long bones can be connected to muscles via tendons. Bones connect at joints by ligaments. The interaction between bone and muscle is studied in biomechanics.

Related Topics:
Tendon - Joint - Ligament - Biomechanics

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Post-mortem functions

Cut and polished bone from a variety of animals is sometimes used as material for jewelry and other crafts. Ground cattle bone is sometimes used as fertilizer. In the Stone Age bone was used to manufacture art, weapons, needles, etc.

Related Topics:
Jewelry - Stone Age - Art

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