Question

What provides bone with hard and non-pliable properties? (a) Collagen fibres (b) Calcium salts (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these

Short answer

c) Both (a) and (b)

Step-by-step solution

Understand the properties of collagen fibres

Collagen is a protein that provides a soft framework, and calcium phosphate is a mineral that adds strength and hardens the framework. This combination of collagen and calcium makes bone both flexible and strong, which in turn helps it to withstand stress.

Understand the properties of calcium salts

Calcium salts are another component of bones. These provide bones with hardness and rigidity. The presence of these calcium compounds in bones provide it with the hardness and slight flexibility needed to withstand forces.

Combine the knowledge from steps 1 and 2

From step 1, we know collagen fibers provide the bone with its structure and from step 2, we understand that calcium salts provide the bone with hardness and rigidity. Therefore, the answer is that both collagen fibres and calcium salts contribute to the hard and non-pliable properties of bone.

Key concepts

Collagen Fibres

Collagen fibres are fundamental to bone composition. These proteins form a soft, yet sturdy framework within bones. Think of collagen as the flexible framework that influences how the entire bone structure behaves. It gives the bones a degree of elasticity, allowing them to bear weight without breaking easily.
Collagen is composed largely of amino acids that intertwine to create long, fibrous strands. These strands give bones their tough, yet slightly flexible nature. This helps the bones manage stress and minor impacts.
Additionally, collagen is crucial because it not only adds flexibility but also works in tandem with minerals. This collaboration ensures bones remain robust against external pressures and forces.

Calcium Salts

Calcium salts are another critical factor in bone composition. They are primarily responsible for the hardness and strength that bones exhibit. When calcium salts are deposited within the collagen framework, they create a solid structure. This calcification is what gives bones their rigid properties.
These salts include calcium phosphate, one of the key minerals that interact with collagen. It enhances the bone's ability to withstand compression and maintain its shape under pressure.

• Calcium salts add rigidity to bones.
• They participate in the mineralization process, hardening the bone structure.
• They help maintain the non-pliable nature of bones.

Overall, calcium salts' role in creating a non-flexible structure is what gives bones their core structural integrity.

Bone Rigidity

Bone rigidity is a direct result of the combined contributions of collagen fibres and calcium salts. Together, they create a balance between flexibility and strength. While collagen offers a slight give to the bone, calcium salts ensure it can withstand significant forces without deforming.
To understand this balance, envision a bridge that needs both flexibility to absorb loads and strength to carry weight without collapsing. Similarly, bones need both these properties to function effectively. The collagen fibres allow for flexibility, while calcium salts impart the necessary rigidity.
This combination ensures that bones can endure stress and harsh conditions, making them an incredibly efficient support system for the body. This balance of properties is what enables bones to perform their crucial roles in protection, support, and movement.