The average human body contains 206 bones that support countless functions for our bodies; such as support, movement, protection, and regulating calcium levels. Bones are created from a process called ossification, beginning from prior to childbirth. In addition, bone remodeling, also known as bone turnover, is an intricate procedure that includes absorption and the replacement of the bone that continues throughout one’s lifespan. Remodeling of bones in an organism’s body is crucial for both human and animal survival and sustaining life. Bones are one of our organs that continue to be very active and have the ability to repair if broken or in need of further growth.
To begin, during the development of a human fetus, the skeleton is made up of soft cartilage at first. Through ossification, a process in which bone tissue is created, cartilage turns into a strong bone. Firstly, the cartilage model of the bone forms and grows. Then, inside the middle of the bone, ossification occurs at a primary ossification center, then at secondary ossification centers at the ends. After, the medullary cavity containing bone marrow forms. Finally, the centers of ossification meet at plates and the bone is formed. Ossification from primary centers occurs during the development of a fetus, and secondary ossification occurs after the birth until it reaches skeletal maturity. All throughout an individual’s childhood, the cartilage grows in order for the bones to also grow; when all of the cartilage has been replaced by the bones (around ages 18 to 25), skeleton maturity is reached.
The bone is in a continuous process of remodeling, even after one has reached skeletal maturity. The process involves the mature bone tissue being replaced (around 10% of the skeletal mass each year) by osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are referred to as the bone remodeling units; they are bone cells that resorb the bone (osteoclasts), and bone cells that make the bone matrix (osteoblasts). Remodeling allows bone shape to change, maintain homeostasis of minerals, and change bone density depending on the stress exerted on them. The two processes involving our bones, ossification and remodeling, allows our body to grow, sustain, and keep bones in check. Following a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and diet, will aid you maintain your bones unimpaired and disease-free. Furthermore, reach out to a professional or your own provider if you have a family history of bone complications, such as osteoporosis or high bone density. Checkups with a doctor in addition to using and wearing proper equipment and tools for activities will also lessen the chances for a bone injury.
Works Cited
Med Libretexts. “6.4C: Bone Remodeling.” Medicine LibreTexts, 19 July 2018, med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Anatomy_and_Physiology_( Boundless)/6%3A_Skeletal_System/6.4%3A_Bone_Formation/6.4C%3A_Bone_Remod eling. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.
Wakim, Suzanne, and Mandeep Grewal. “14.5: Bone Growth, Remodeling, and Repair.” Biology LibreTexts, 21 Dec. 2018,
bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Biology/Human_Biology_(Wakim_and_Grewal)/ 14%3A_Skeletal_System/14.5%3A_Bone_Growth_Remodeling_and_Repair. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. “How Many Bones Do I Have?” Cleveland Clinic, 7 Aug. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25176-bones. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.
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