Video - Bone histology

Bone is a connective tissue that consists of an organic matrix (containing collagen and proteoglycans) and inorganic minerals (primarily hydroxyapatite). The organic matrix provides the tensile strength, and the inorganic minerals provide the compressive strength. Bone also contains three major types of cells, which are osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. Bone undergoes continuous remodeling throughout life. Osteoblasts produce a new bone matrix, which is mineralized by osteocytes. Osteoclasts resorb old bone matrix. This process of remodeling ensures that bones are constantly adapting to changes in mechanical loading.