The bone organ system: form and function

Bone is a complex, hierarchically organized organ system whose composition and structure are closely related to, and in many ways controlled by, the functional demands made upon it. Bone tissue is constantly undergoing turnover via coordinated activities by osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, and their precursors. Through this process of bone remodeling, the bone organ system can respond relatively quickly to changes in metabolic and mechanical needs. The concepts presented in this chapter provide a framework for elucidation of the biological and biomechanical mechanisms underlying the close relationship between form and function in bone.