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The ratio of cortical to spongy bone is dependent upon the stresses applied to the bone: Bones that are exposed to high bending forces, such as the metatarsals of your forefoot, are made almost exclusively of cortical bone (A). In contrast, bones that absorb shock, such as your calcaneus (B), are made primarily of soft spongy bone, which allows

The ratio of cortical to spongy bone is dependent upon the stresses applied to the bone: Bones that are exposed to high bending forces, such as the metatarsals of your forefoot, are made almost exclusively of cortical bone (A). In contrast, bones that absorb shock, such as your calcaneus (B), are made primarily of soft spongy bone, which allows

Cortical bone, which is surrounded by the pain-sensitive periosteum, is extremely powerful and resists bending forces like a steel pipe. In contrast, spongy bone is softer and is loaded with small chambers that allow for the production of red blood cells.

All the major bones that keep you upright are connected by joints and cartilage.

Bone is one-third living tissue and is basically a protein matrix with various minerals like calcium and other inorganic salts embedded in it. The marrow, found at the center of the large bones, is one of the sites that produce red blood cells. (The other is the spleen.) The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen in the bloodstream.

Wolfe’s law states that bones grow along lines of stress. This means that when we bear weight on our bones, especially on those that are intended for weight bearing, such as the femur, it helps to strengthen the bone.