Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026
A Sectioning, Coring, and Image Processing Guide for High-Throughput Cortical Bone Sample Procurement and Analysis for Synchrotron Micro-CT
Published on: June 12, 2020
The toughness of cortical bone and its relationship with age
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biomechanics, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249-0670, USA. xwang@utsa.edu
Abstract:
Toughness is a quantitative measure of bone quality in terms of its susceptibility to fracture. Thus, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of age-related bone fractures, it is necessary to understand age-related changes in the toughness of bone. The objective of this review is to provide current understanding on the structure-function relationships of cortical bone and its correlation with the toughness of the tissue from the perspective of basic engineering principles. The review is written for the readers in the musculoskeletal research field, who may not have a strong engineering background. For better understanding of toughening mechanisms, this review intends to focus on correlations of the toughness of cortical bone with its constituents and microstructural characteristics. In addition, a special emphasis is placed on age-related changes in the toughness of bone.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:09Spongy Bone
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
01:23Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts— that give the...
01:22Sutures of the Skull
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...