ABSTRACT

Bone is composed of mineral and mineral ions, water and an organic matrix. Although the relative proportions of mineral, water, and matrix molecules of bone vary among types, species, and development ages of bone, the overall chemical composition of bone is amazingly constant. This chapter reviews the nature of the bone components and how they are peculiarly suited to bone function. An examination of the anatomical structure of bone and a comparison of the distribution of macromolecules in each anatomical region during growth provides a basis for understanding the functions of these macromolecules. The chapter defines the morphological changes which occur as bone forms, discusses the nature of bone mineral, and reviews the chemistry and function of the organic matrix of bone. It examines the differences between cartilage and bone matrices, and reviews how mineral deposition occurs in these different matrices.