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Related Concept Videos

The Bone Matrix01:18

The Bone Matrix

Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in acid or...
Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue01:23

Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue

Bone tissue forms the internal skeleton of vertebrate animals, providing structure to the body.
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...
The Functions of the Skeletal System01:22

The Functions of the Skeletal System

The most apparent functions of the skeletal system are support, protection, and movement. However, bone tissue also performs several other critical metabolic functions. For one, the bone matrix acts as a reservoir for a number of minerals important to the functioning of the body, especially calcium and phosphorus. These minerals, present in the bone tissue, can be released back into the bloodstream when required. Calcium ions, for example, are essential for muscle contractions and controlling...
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella01:16

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...
Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification01:29

Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification

Intramembranous ossification is one of the two processes involved in the development of bones within an embryo. The flat bones of the face, most of the cranial bones, and the clavicles are formed via this process. During intramembranous ossification, the bones develop directly from sheets of undifferentiated mesenchymal connective tissue.
The process begins when mesenchymal cells in the embryonic skeleton gather together and differentiate into osteogenic cells, which then develop into...
Bone Structure01:55

Bone Structure

Within the skeletal system, the structure of a bone, or osseous tissue, can be exemplified in a long bone, like the femur, where there are two types of osseous tissue: cortical and cancellous.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Guide to Examining Intramuscular Fat Formation and its Cellular Origin in Skeletal Muscle
09:19

A Guide to Examining Intramuscular Fat Formation and its Cellular Origin in Skeletal Muscle

Published on: May 26, 2022

Fat and bone.

Ian R Reid1

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. i.reid@auckland.ac.nz

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|July 6, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Obesity protects against osteoporosis, while being underweight increases fracture risk. Body weight and adipose tissue mass are key factors influencing bone density and skeletal health.

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Identification and Dissection of Diverse Mouse Adipose Depots
06:31

Identification and Dissection of Diverse Mouse Adipose Depots

Published on: July 11, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

A Guide to Examining Intramuscular Fat Formation and its Cellular Origin in Skeletal Muscle
09:19

A Guide to Examining Intramuscular Fat Formation and its Cellular Origin in Skeletal Muscle

Published on: May 26, 2022

Identification and Dissection of Diverse Mouse Adipose Depots
06:31

Identification and Dissection of Diverse Mouse Adipose Depots

Published on: July 11, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Bone biology and metabolism
  • Endocrinology
  • Obesity research

Background:

  • Body weight and adipose tissue mass significantly influence bone density and fracture risk.
  • Previous studies suggesting detrimental effects of adjusted fat mass on bone are methodologically flawed due to confounding variables.
  • The relationship between fat and bone is complex, involving multiple signaling pathways crucial for skeletal adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the relationship between body weight, adipose tissue, and bone health.
  • To address confounding factors in previous research on fat mass and bone density.
  • To elucidate the mechanistic links between adipose tissue and skeletal integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Review and critical analysis of existing literature on body composition and bone health.
  • Examination of mechanistic pathways connecting adipose tissue and bone metabolism.
  • Clinical interpretation of findings regarding obesity, underweight, and fracture risk.

Main Results:

  • Obesity demonstrates a protective effect against osteoporosis.
  • Underweight is identified as a significant and preventable risk factor for fractures.
  • Adipose-derived hormones like adiponectin, leptin, and estrogens, along with insulin/amylin/preptin, are implicated in fat-bone crosstalk.

Conclusions:

  • Body weight and adipose tissue mass are critical determinants of bone density and fracture risk.
  • Higher body weight, particularly due to adipose tissue, is generally beneficial for bone health.
  • Understanding these relationships is vital for clinical strategies aimed at preventing osteoporosis and fractures.