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bones

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Bones are the hard, rigid parts of the body that make up the skeleton. They protect our organs, help us move, and store minerals.

Here are some of the things that bones do:

  • Protect our organs: Bones protect our organs from injury. For example, the skull protects our brain, and the ribcage protects our heart and lungs.

Skull

  • Help us move: Bones work with muscles to help us move. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on a bone, which causes the bone to move.

Muscles

  • Store minerals: Bones store minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are important for keeping our bones strong and healthy.
  • Bones are made up of a hard, outer layer called the cortex and a spongy inner layer called the medulla. The cortex is made up of compact bone, which is very strong. The medulla is made up of cancellous bone, which is more porous.
  • Bones are constantly being remodelled, which means that they are being broken down and rebuilt. This process is important for keeping our bones strong and healthy.

How can the word be used?

The skeleton is made up of bones.

bones

Different forms of the word

Singular: bone.

Plural: bones.

Adjective: bony.

Etymology

The word "bones" comes from the Old English word bān, which means "bone." The Old English word bān is thought to be related to the Proto-Germanic word bōnō, which also means "bone.".

Question

How many bones make up the human skeleton?