Data Mining

BONES: FACTS AND FIGURES

Readingtime 2 minutes

Tubular bones are superb examples of lightweight construction. They are extremely resistant to tensile, compressive, and torsional forces. However, they break if they are overloaded. Then therapy and medical technology are needed.

Optimally cross-linked
Bones represent the perfect combination of maximal strength and minimal weight. Their stability is primarily determined by the density and connectedness of the delicate trabeculae.
Lightweight
of a human being’s body weight is due to bones. 10% Muscles account for up to 50%.
Flexible
her body weight is cushioned by a gymnast’s skeleton when she lands on the mat after a somersault. Upon impact, her thighbones may bend by as much as two millimeters.
Effective mix of materials
Bone strength is dependent on the bone’s mineral content. The elasticity the bone requires comes from the collagenic bone matrix.
A 20% water
B 25% organic components (bone matrix)
C 55% inorganic components (minerals, primarily calcium hydroxyapatite)
Adaptable
of bony tissue is formed and broken down within one year. This enables the bone to adapt to changing stress situations and grow as a whole.
Resilient
Femur
Tibia
Fibula
Collarbone
Atrophy of the bones
Until the age of about 30, the bone formation processes are predominant. With advancing age, more and more bone mass is broken down. A disproportionate decrease of bone density is known as osteoporosis.
Pressure from all directions
Bones are subject to tensile, compressive, shearing, and torsional forces. A bone breaks if it is overloaded. That is most likely to happen if the bone is twisted.
Bones need…
…movement:
primarily dynamic exercises with power input that alternately stress and relax the body
…calcium and Vitamin D:
through healthy, balanced nutrition and sunlight
Osteoporosis risk
bone fractures
are caused by osteoporosis worldwide every year.
Illustrations: KNSKB+

PUBLICATION DATE 25TH APRIL 2018

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