ABSTRACT
The obtaining of bones from a rat is necessary when size, mass, and mineral content need to be measured. Although there are noninvasive ways to measure morphometric variables and bone mineral density, their direct measurement needs the separation of bones from soft tissues. Once this is done, the analysis of the mineral content and its composition can be completed. The method in this chapter describes the obtaining of bones; the measurement of morphometric variables, such as length, mass, and diameter; and the study of their bone mineral content. It is also necessary to obtain the bones for the study of proteins from the bone matrix, for histology and histomorphometric studies, and for biomechanical measurements. In these situations, bones are obtained exclusively with the aid of scalpels, scissors, and forceps. However, in some situations, it is necessary to obtain them after digestion of soft tissues with papain. The procedure is described in detail below.
