Bone is a calcified, living, connective tissue that forms the majority of the skeleton. It consists of an intercellular calcified matrix, which also contains collagen fibers, and several types of cells within the matrix.
Bones function as:
- supportive structures for the body;
- protectors of vital organs;
- reservoirs of calcium and phosphorus;
- levers on which muscles act to produce movement; and
- containers for blood-producing cells.