The physical properties of bone refer to the mechanical properties and behaviors of bone tissue in different aspects.

Composition and structure of bones

Skeleton is mainly composed of organic matter (such as collagen fiber) and inorganic salt (such as calcium phosphate). This tissue structure endows bone materials with high strength and compression resistance. The organic components of bones are mainly responsible for the toughness and deformation during bending, while inorganic salts make bones hard and rigid.

Mechanical properties of bone

Mechanical properties of bone include elasticity, plasticity, creep and fracture toughness. Elasticity refers to the ability of bone tissue to deform elastically under the action of external force and recover to its original state after removing external force.

Plasticity refers to the permanent deformation of bone tissue when it exceeds a certain force. Creep refers to the deformation of bone tissue after applying a certain force for a long time. Fracture toughness means that bone tissue can absorb more energy when subjected to external force and extend to the front of fracture.

Mechanical behavior of bone

Mechanical behaviors of bones include stretching, compression, bending and torsion. Under the action of tensile force, bone tissue will be stretched and deformed until it breaks. Under the action of compressive force, bone tissue will be squeezed and deformed until it breaks. Under the action of bending force, one side of bone tissue is compressed and the other side is stretched, resulting in bending deformation. Under the action of torsional force, bone tissue will rotate and deform.

Bone stress distribution

The stress distribution of bone is uneven, and the area with the greatest strength is mainly concentrated in the periphery of bone. This is because there are more bones, denser structures and higher mechanical strength. The skeleton is mainly composed of cancellous bone, and the arrangement of trabeculae makes the internal skeleton lighter to meet the needs of absorbing impact and bearing pressure.

Remodeling ability of bone

Skeleton has certain remodeling ability, and its structure can be adjusted according to stress. When the bone is under constant pressure, the body will increase the generation of this part of the bone to enhance the strength of the bone.

On the contrary, if a part of bone load is reduced, the body will reduce the formation of this part of bone. Relatively speaking, children's bodies are soft, and adults' bones are hard, but if you do exercise even after adulthood or when you are old, it is good for your health.