ABSTRACT
Understanding of disorders of the musculoskeletal system begins with a basic knowledge of the anatomical structure and physiology of the bones and joints – the framework that supports the body, protects the soft tissues, transmits load and power from one part of the body to another and mediates movement and locomotion. Bones as structural organs have three main functions: support, protection and leverage. Bone consists of a largely collagenous matrix which is impregnated with mineral salts and populated by cells (osteoblasts and osteoclasts). Osteoblasts are concerned with bone formation and osteoclast activation. Mature osteoclasts have a foamy appearance, due to the presence of numerous vesicles in the cytoplasm. Cancellous (trabecular) bone has a honeycomb appearance; it makes up the interior meshwork of all bones and is particularly well developed in the ends of the tubular bones and the vertebral bodies. Bone modelling describes the process by which changes in the overall size and shape of bone are accomplished.
