ABSTRACT

Bone and its several associated elements-cartilage, connective tissue, vascular elements, and nervous components-act as a functional organ. They provide support and protection for soft tissues and act together with skeletal muscles to make body movements possible. Bones are relatively rigid structures and their shapes are closely related to their functions. Bone metabolism is mainly controlled by the endocrine, immune, and neurovascular systems, and its metabolism and response to internal and external stimulations are still under assessment.