What lies beneath the outer membrane of bone?
The inside of bone consists of ‘osseous tissue’, which is essentially a lightweight matrix of calcium based minerals. Mainly calcium phosphate, in the form known as calcium hydroxylapatite. On a microscopic scale, it somewhat resembles the structure of a sponge with its hollows and cavities in a complex mineral honeycomb. Living bone cells are embedded within this structure. Depending on the type of bone, it may also contain a central core of marrow cells, blood vessels, nerves, and cartilage. Bone is basically a form of dense connective tissue that has evolved to maximize its properties of compressive strength. Bone may also contain collagen cells which gives it some degree of flexibility.
