Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Classification of Bones01:18

Classification of Bones

7.6K
The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four major classes: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Some classifications include a fifth type, the sesamoid bones, as a separate class, whereas others categorize them under short bones.
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The...
7.6K
Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue01:23

Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue

4.3K
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—...
4.3K
Compact Bone01:27

Compact Bone

13.1K
Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone's overall function.
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...
13.1K
Bone Structure01:55

Bone Structure

49.1K
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.
49.1K
Spongy Bone01:09

Spongy Bone

5.6K
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the 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...
5.6K
Bone Markings01:26

Bone Markings

6.5K
Bones have various surface features that help form joints and attach to other soft tissues. Depending on the function, bone markings are categorized into articulating projections, processes for attachment, depressions, and openings.
Articulating Projections
Articulating projections are found where two bones meet to form a joint. These structures are usually found at the ends of bones. The largest articulation is a rounded projection called the head, supported by a narrow neck at the ends of...
6.5K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Musculo-skeletal variation in the forelimb of two highly specialised diggers (genus Talpa).

Journal of anatomy·2026
Same author

From head to tail: does habitat use drive morphological variation in snakes?

Journal of evolutionary biology·2026
Same author

Thermal and immunological stress modulate the locomotor performance of female <i>Xenopus laevis</i> frogs.

Conservation physiology·2026
Same author

Endocranial morphology in worm lizards (Amphisbaenia, Squamata): multiple neuroanatomical solutions to a fossorial lifestyle.

Proceedings. Biological sciences·2026
Same author

Anatomical description of the jaw muscles and theoretical bite force assessment in South American opossums using manual and digital dissection methods.

Journal of anatomy·2026
Same author

The Impact of Substrate Properties on the Kinematics of Locomotion in a Limb-Reduced Skink, Ablepharus kitaibelii (Squamata: Scincidae).

Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Dissection and Flat-mounting of the Threespine Stickleback Branchial Skeleton
08:02

Dissection and Flat-mounting of the Threespine Stickleback Branchial Skeleton

Published on: May 7, 2016

10.0K

Unravelling the structural variation of lizard osteoderms.

Arsalan Marghoub1, Catherine J A Williams2, João Vasco Leite3

  • 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK.

Acta Biomaterialia
|May 13, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lizard osteoderms (OD) show diverse structures and properties, with shape influencing flexibility. Core bone tissues are similar, but capping tissues resemble tooth enamel, offering biomimetic potential.

Keywords:
BiomaterialsBiomechanicsCranial boneMaterial characterisationSkull

More Related Videos

Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM
10:06

Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM

Published on: July 10, 2014

15.3K
Author Spotlight: Use of Fish Scales for Bone Remodeling Research &#8211; Advancements in Ex Vivo Imaging and Dissecting Cell Interactions
03:49

Author Spotlight: Use of Fish Scales for Bone Remodeling Research – Advancements in Ex Vivo Imaging and Dissecting Cell Interactions

Published on: May 3, 2024

3.3K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Dissection and Flat-mounting of the Threespine Stickleback Branchial Skeleton
08:02

Dissection and Flat-mounting of the Threespine Stickleback Branchial Skeleton

Published on: May 7, 2016

10.0K
Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM
10:06

Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales Atractosteus spatula Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM

Published on: July 10, 2014

15.3K
Author Spotlight: Use of Fish Scales for Bone Remodeling Research &#8211; Advancements in Ex Vivo Imaging and Dissecting Cell Interactions
03:49

Author Spotlight: Use of Fish Scales for Bone Remodeling Research – Advancements in Ex Vivo Imaging and Dissecting Cell Interactions

Published on: May 3, 2024

3.3K

Area of Science:

  • * Integrative biology and paleontology
  • * Biomineralization and biomaterials science

Background:

  • * Vertebrate skin comprises epidermis and dermis; some tetrapods possess dermal mineralized structures called osteoderms (OD).
  • * Lizards exhibit extensive diversity in osteoderm morphology and distribution, with evolutionary origins dating back 100-150 million years.
  • * The functional drivers of this osteoderm diversity remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To conduct a multiscale analysis of lizard osteoderms and associated cranial bones.
  • * To compare micro/macrostructure, material properties, and bending rigidity across five lizard species.
  • * To investigate the functional adaptations and biomechanical properties of cranial osteoderms.

Main Methods:

  • * Comparative analysis of osteoderms and cranial bones (skull roof, jaw, teeth) from five lizard species.
  • * Microstructural and macrostructural examination of tissue composition and arrangement.
  • * Assessment of material properties and bending rigidity using physical and mechanical testing.

Main Results:

  • * Osteoderm shape significantly impacts bending rigidity, with notable variation between species (e.g., flexible *Corucia zebrata*, rigid *Timon lepidus*).
  • * Microstructural diversity in osteoderms correlates with macroscopic variations in tissue composition and arrangement.
  • * Core bony tissues in osteoderms and cranial bones showed conserved properties; capping tissues in some species exhibited enamel-like material properties.

Conclusions:

  • * Osteoderm shape and microstructure are key factors in their biomechanical function and diversity.
  • * Conserved properties of core bone suggest a common developmental pathway, while specialized capping tissues indicate functional adaptation.
  • * Findings provide insights into functional adaptations and hierarchical structure, with potential for biomimetic material design.