Hårdvävnad

Hårdvävnad, meaning "hard tissue" in Swedish, refers to the dense, mineralized connective tissues that form the structural framework of the skeletal system. The primary components of hårdvävnad are bone and cartilage. Bone is a dynamic, living tissue characterized by its high strength and rigidity, providing support, protection for organs, leverage for movement, and storage for minerals like calcium and phosphate. It is composed of an organic matrix, primarily collagen, and an inorganic matrix, predominantly hydroxyapatite crystals. Cartilage, while also a type of hårdvävnad, is less mineralized than bone and offers flexibility and shock absorption, found in joints, the rib cage, and the ear.

The formation and maintenance of hårdvävnad involve specialized cells. Osteoblasts are responsible for synthesizing new bone matrix, while osteocytes, embedded within the matrix, maintain bone tissue. Osteoclasts are crucial for bone resorption, breaking down old tissue. In cartilage, chondrocytes are the cells responsible for producing and maintaining the cartilaginous matrix. The process of hårdvävnad formation is known as ossification for bone and chondrogenesis for cartilage, both vital for skeletal development and repair throughout life. Disorders affecting hårdvävnad can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and various forms of skeletal dysplasia.