Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion
Published on: April 11, 2018
Young's moduli and shear moduli in cortical bone
H C Spatz1, E J O'Leary, J F Vincent
1Centre for Biomimetics, Reading University, U.K.
Abstract:
Young's modulus and shear modulus are determined for cortical bone from mammals and birds and for antler bone, using three-point bending at a range of span-to-depth ratios between 25 and 10. Young's modulus is obtained by extrapolating the values for the flexural modulus Eapp to infinite span-to-depth ratios. The shear modulus is obtained from the dependance of Eapp on this ratio. The main determinant for the mechanical properties is the mineral content. For mammalian bone the frequency of Haversian systems correlates negatively with stiffness and resistance to shear. However, because Haversian systems have a lower mineral content than laminar bone (the main component), material and structural determinants can not be separated at present. The ratio of Young's modulus to shear modulus is of the order of 20:1. This high value is discussed in terms of the Cook-Gordon theory of controlled crack propagation as well as in its significance for protecting hollow bones from failing upon local impact.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Structure
Bone 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...
Gross Anatomy of Bone
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in adults, it...
Compact 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...
Spongy 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...
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification

