Csontot

Csontot is the Hungarian term for bone. In vertebrates, bones are rigid organs forming the skeleton; they provide structural support, protect vital organs, aid in movement by anchoring muscles, store minerals such as calcium and phosphate, and house bone marrow for blood cell production.

Bone tissue consists of mineralized extracellular matrix and cells. The matrix contains collagen fibers and hydroxyapatite crystals; cells include osteoblasts (build bone), osteocytes (maintain bone), and osteoclasts (reabsorb bone). Bones have two main types of tissue: cortical (compact) bone forming the dense outer layer and cancellous (trabecular) bone inside, with a network of trabeculae. The outer surface is covered by periosteum; interior by endosteum; bone is highly vascularized.

Bones vary in shape and size: long bones (limbs), short bones (carpals), flat bones (skull), irregular bones (vertebrae). They form joints with other bones and provide leverage and movement.

Development and turnover: most bones form by endochondral ossification or intramembranous ossification during development; throughout life, bones remodel by coordinated activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts to adapt to stress and regulate mineral balance; vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and other factors maintain calcium homeostasis.

Clinical notes: common conditions include fractures from injury; osteoporosis weakens bones and raises fracture risk; bone-related diseases may affect marrow function. Good nutrition, physical activity, and calcium and vitamin D intake support bone health.