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Which materials give bone tissue both strength and flexibility?
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bone
A long bone of the human body, showing a magnified cross section of the interior.
Bone tissue derives its unique physical properties from a two-phase composite structure consisting of an organic matrix and inorganic minerals.1
- Inorganic Minerals: Primarily composed of hydroxyapatite (a form of calcium phosphate), these rod-shaped crystals provide bone with its hardness, rigidity, and compressive strength.12
- Organic Matrix: This component is primarily collagen, a fibrous protein that provides high elasticity and significant tensile strength.13
The intimate association of these two materials allows bone to function similarly to other composite materials like fiberglass or bamboo. The rigid, brittle mineral crystals are dispersed within the elastic collagen matrix, which prevents the propagation of stress failures. This combination ensures that bone is both strong enough to support the body and flexible enough to withstand impact without shattering.1