Why We Need Bones
Bones make up the skeletal system.
Each one has a different size and shape,
and each one has a specific function.
First, we'll look at a five examples.
You'll see that each one is remarkably different than any other in bone structure and bone density.
Later, you'll understand that each individual bone works with all the others as a wonderfully designed, integrated system.
For this discussion, bones have two primary purposes:
- To allow us to move.
- To be strong enough that we can survive in a world
of weight and gravity.
Most of this page is about weight and gravity; the next page is mostly about motion. You'll see, these topics crossover.
Don’t worry about the details - these five examples will help you understand the concepts you need regarding osteoporosis.
Also, don't worry about the words on any of the pictures; if they are important, I will tell you.
Example #1: The jaw is very dense and strong
It is shaped and structured for one purpose, its unique function - so it can handle the tremendous pressures created by the muscles involved with chewing food.
Example #2: Atlas - C1, the First Cervical Vertebra
There are seven bones in the neck called cervical vertebrae.
Five of them are similar in size, shape, and function.
Two are significantly different than the rest, and different from each other, each shaped according to its unique function. We are interested in these two.
This top view of ‘Atlas’ shows two, oval-shaped sockets left-side, right-side. The skull sits in these two ovals. These ovals transfer of the weight of the head and brain through 'Atlas' to the next vertebra below.
A bronze statue of Atlas, doing his job, in New York City.
The Greeks named this number-one vertebra 'Atlas' ages ago,
after the god whose job was to hold up the world.
The 'Atlas' vertebra is shaped for its unique function -
to 'hold up your world' - your head and your brain.
Example #3: Axis - C2, the Second Cervical Vertebra
Axis - the 2nd cervical vertebra. Note the 'Dens' or 'odontoid'.
The Greeks named axis after the word for 'axle'.
This is because most of the function of turning our head left or right takes places as the 'Atlas' (which from the top view looks like a wheel) 'turns' around the 'Axle' (the Axis) with is right below it.
In this picture (from Gray's Anatomy, 1917) the axle part is labeled the 'Dens'.
Also note in the picture, the 'superior articular surface'. It is a large, flattish, smooth surface that is the joint face (facet) between Atlas and Axis.
The articular surface allows for motion between the two bones, and for the transfer of weight of the head and Atlas through Axis, which then is transfered, one bone at a time, through the 22 vertebra below.
Including our next example.
Example #4: Lumbar Vertebra
The weight of the body accumulates and increases as we move down toward the ground.
For example, if we add the weight of the head to Atlas there are only a few pounds. By the time we get to the low back, say the 3rd lumbar vertebra, we now have half the total weight of the body pressing down on L3.
In response to this, the lumbar vertebrae are larger and stronger than the cervical vertebrae.
Because of these higher weight loads, the vertebrae of the middle and lower back are areas of concern with osteoporosis.
If the weight-bearing structure of the vertebra is weak or fragile from bone loss (osteoporosis), and unable to carry the load, one or more of them can be damaged from a compression fracture - the crushing kind where the ceiling sags and settles towards the floor.
The vertebra do not carry the highest weight or stress, though.
All of the weight above, plus that of the hips adds up.
Utimately all of this weight is transferred through the pelvis to the femur, which will be our last example.
Example #5: Anterior View, Left Femur
The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the skeleton.
This is other bone we are most concerned about with Osteoporosis.
On this photo we are interested in the parts marked:
- #1 is named the Head of the femur
- #2 is named the Neck of the femur
- #6 is named the Body of the femur
The top of the femur is the Head - a round-ish ball. The head fits into the hip socket.
The head is half of the hip joint - the socket (not shown) is the other.
The purpose of the ball & socket, and of the rest of the femur, is to transfer the weight of the body through the legs, to the ground.
The weight of the body is transferred through the head, through the neck, through the body, through the knees, and below.
It is here, commonly the neck of the femur, where osteoporosis causes so many problems.
It is in the angle of the neck where the stress loads dramatically increase, and fragility fractures occur.
Which takes us back to the beginning...
Why do we need bones?
- To allow us to move.
- To be strong and denses enough that we can survive in a world of weight and gravity.
It is when bones are not strong that we have problems with osteoporosis.
The really good part is this... if we know how bones work, we can discover how to create strong, healthy bones!
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