The surface of the bone is covered by the periosteum, a membrane connecting the processes responsible for bone growth and callus formation in fractures. The compact bone (or cortical), which is a layer of dense bone, is located below the periosteum and underneath the compact bone, is the location of the spongy bone (also called trabecular or cancellous bone), which contains bone marrow responsible for the production of blood cells.ĭepending on their shape formations, bones can be divided into long bones, flat bones, short bones and irregular bones. Bones are segments of varying shape, size and density, all of which constitute to form the skeletal system.

They are characterized by their hardness and mechanical resistance. Postmenopausal women are at a greater risk because the hormone estrogen, which declines after menopause, aids in bone density.Bones are a form of extremely specialized connective tissue, consisting of a mix of a dense organic matrix and inorganic mineral component. Osteoporosis primarily affects women over the age of 50 because women typically tend to lose about 1 percent of their bone mass after the age 35. Supplements and medications are typically given to help bones retain their mass.

This loss leaves them weak and susceptible to traumatic fractures. Each bone is cushioned with a disc made of cartilage that acts as a joint and ligament to keep the vertebrae connected.Īs women age, they typically lose bone density to osteoporosis, a progressive bone disease. Running from the brain to the tailbone, the spine is a nerve center enclosed in a series of 24 connected bones called vertebrae. The spine, or vertebral column, is a very important part of the human body. It is also is connected to the shoulder joint, which brings together the shoulder blade and the humerus, or the large bone of the upper arm. It connects with the collarbone in the front of the body. The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat triangular bone located in the back of the shoulder.

Is sternum a flat bone