How Does the Body Protect Bones From Trauma?
Bone strength, in turn, is only one determinant of fracture risk. The ability to avoid injury to the bones is another. A major function of bones is to help humans stay upright and move. Maintaining an upright stance and avoiding falls are important protectors of bones. The ability to avoid falls is a complex activity involving the coordination of bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and the brain. When an unexpected encounter occurs, such as missing a step, stepping on a slippery surface, or receiving a glancing blow from someone walking in the opposite direction, good coordination, quick reflexes, strong muscles, and excellent balance are required to avoid a fall. In addition, all individuals experience minor injuries to the muscles, tendons, and bones on one side of the body or the other, and the rest of the structures have to compensate to stay upright and maintain mobility. When a fall occurs, the direction and the force of the impact on bone, the degree of padding around the impact si
