Osteologie

Osteologie, also known as the study of bones, is a branch of anatomy and physical anthropology concerned with the structure, development, function, and disorders of the skeletal system. It covers the gross anatomy of bones, their microscopic tissue architecture, and the relationships between bone and surrounding soft tissues.

Bone tissue consists of compact bone and trabecular bone, organized into units such as osteons in cortical bone. The bone matrix is largely type I collagen mineralized with hydroxyapatite. Cells include osteoblasts (bone-forming), osteocytes (mature cells embedded in matrix), and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing). The periosteum covers external surfaces; the endosteum lines internal cavities.

Ossification occurs by intramembranous and endochondral processes. Growth in length occurs at the growth plates (epiphyseal plates) in children, while remodeling—driven by osteoblasts and osteoclasts—maintains bone integrity and mineral balance throughout life. Calcium and phosphate homeostasis is closely linked to bone metabolism, and red marrow produces blood cells in certain bones.

Functions of the skeletal system include mechanical support, protection of organs, leverage for movement, mineral storage, and hematopoiesis. Disorders commonly associated with osteology include osteoporosis, fractures, osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, and tumors. Diagnostic tools used in assessing bone health and pathology include radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and bone densitometry (DEXA).

In addition to anatomy, osteology informs anthropology, archaeology, and forensic science, where bone morphology helps infer aspects such as age, sex, stature, and ancestry. Modern osteology integrates imaging, histology, and biomechanics to understand bone health, development, and disease.