Bone Tissue

Bone Tissue

1. Definition: Bone tissue is a specialized tissue of connective tissue, the main constituent of bones in vertebrates. It is composed of calcified cells and extracellular components that form the bone matrix.

2. Types of bone tissue:

   • Spongy bone tissue: It is found in the internal area of long, flat bones. It forms the epiphysis in long bones. In short bones they form the interior and exterior areas.
   • Compact bone tissue: It is found in the outer layer of long bones forming the diaphysis, on the outside and inside of flat bones and in different areas in short bones, according to each specific bone.

3. Cellular functions

   • Osteoblast. It is found within the bone and its function is to form new bone tissue.
   • Osteoclast. A very large cell formed in the bone marrow whose function is to absorb and remove unwanted tissue.
   • Osteocyte It is found within the bone and its function is to help maintain the bone as living tissue.
   • Hematopoietic. It is found in the bone marrow and its function is to make red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

4. Examples:

   • Diaphysis of long bones
   • Metaphysis and epiphysis of long bones
   • Short, flat, and irregular bones