ABSTRACT
The structural foundation of bone, as an organ (BO), consists of bone proper, the periosteum and endosteum, together with the bone marrow, blood vessels and nerves (Fig. 6.1). The constituents of bone are composed of all types of connective tissue: bone, cartilage, fibrous and adipose. The functions and properties of bone are determined by its components: biomechanical (integrating, supporting, protective and locomotor), plastic, morphogenetic, metabolic, hematopoietic and immune. Each bone component performs its specific function or functions, and is also involved in supporting the functions of other components. These interactions or cooperation make bone an independent organ.
