Concept explainers
To explain: The reason why the bones of the human body are stronger in resisting compression than in resisting tension and shear.
Introduction: Bones provide the structural framework for human body, protects other body tissues, and forms a system of levers for purpose of movement along with muscles. Bones are subjected to a lot of forces like compression, tension and shear force.
Explanation of Solution
The bone is made of collagen, hydroxypatite, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate.
The following is the resistance strength of bone to forces:
- Bone is strong against compression
- Bone is intermediate against tension
- Bone is weak against shear
Compression is the force that pushes or presses the bone. Tensile force acts on the bone and pulls in opposite direction. Shear forces act parallel to each other but in the opposite direction on the object so that one part of the object (bone) is displace relative to another part.
About 60-70% of the bone is made up of the minerals, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. They give stiffness to bones and constitute the primary determiners of compressive strength and thus they have strong resistance against compression. The second material is collagen, a protein that constitutes about 20 to 30% of the bones which gives bones its flexibility and thus the resistance against tensile force. The bones are not made of materials to withstand shear force and therefore, it has weak resistance against shear force.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 4 Solutions
Basic Biomechanics
- What factors contribute to the hardness and tensile strength ofbone?arrow_forwardAlthough the most diverse and numerous animal groups on Earth have exoskeletons, this type of skeleton has some disadvantages when compared to endoskeletons. Describe any two potential disadvantages of exoskeletons.arrow_forwardExplain how the structure of the skeleton is adapted to suit these functions: - Haematopoiesis Protection Movement Supportarrow_forward
- What is the difference between closed reduction andopen reduction? In what type of fracture would closed reduction most likely occur? In what type of fracture wouldopen reduction most likely occur?arrow_forwardWhich of the following statements defines synchondroses? A) Amphiarthrotic joints designed for strength and flexibility B) Cartilaginous joints where hyaline cartilage unites the ends of bones C) Interphalangeal joints D) Joints that permit angular movements Please give a brief explanation of each. thanksarrow_forwardSyndesmoses are joints in which bones are held together by: O hydroxyapatite O ligaments cartilage O collagen fibersarrow_forward
- Using relevant examples compare and contrast the types of movement observed at hinge joints with the movement observed at ball and socket joints.arrow_forwardexplain how the skeletal, articular, and muscular systems work together to form the human skeletal framework.arrow_forwardName the components of bone matrix, and explain theircontribution to bone flexibility and bones’ ability to bearweightarrow_forward
