Luut

In Finnish, luut means bones. Bones are the rigid organs that form the skeleton of vertebrates. They provide structural support for the body, protect vital organs, and work with muscles to enable movement. Bones also store minerals, notably calcium and phosphate, and house the bone marrow, the site of blood cell production in many vertebrates.

Anatomically, bone tissue consists of an outer dense cortical (compact) layer and an inner porous trabecular (spongy) network. The living cells within bone include osteoblasts, which build new bone; osteocytes, which maintain bone tissue; and osteoclasts, which resorb bone. Bones are covered by a fibrous periosteum and lined by an inner endosteum, with blood vessels and nerves running through them. The hollow shafts of long bones contain bone marrow.

Bones come in several shapes: long, short, flat, irregular, and sesamoid, reflecting their varied functions. Most bones develop through endochondral ossification, where cartilage is replaced by bone, while flat bones form mainly through intramembranous ossification.

Bone remodeling continuously reshapes the skeleton in response to growth, aging, and physical activity. Hormonal signals and nutritional factors, especially vitamin D and calcium, influence mineral balance and bone strength.

Common topics related to luut health include fractures, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteomyelitis. Adequate nutrition, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoidance of smoking contribute to maintaining strong bones throughout life.