5 Functions of Bones in Humans That Are Rarely Realized
Although not visible from the outside, human bones have important functions for the body. This lightweight yet strong part of the body has functions that many people don't realize. What are these functions? Here is the list.
1. Supports the body and aids movement
The main function of bones in humans is to support the entire body and the organs in it. Without the bones that make up the skeleton, all organs would have nowhere to attach.
In addition, the skeleton helps determine a person's posture. And also the human skeletal system allows humans to move.
2. Protects internal organs
Although lightweight, human bones are hard enough to withstand impact. Therefore, another function of human bones is to protect internal organs. For example, the rib cage protects the lungs and heart from impact.
3. Producing blood cells
Some types of bones can produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. All three have important functions for the health of the body. Red blood cells help circulate oxygen throughout the body, white blood cells help fight infection, and platelets help clot blood to stop bleeding.
4. Store and release fat
Another function of bones in humans is to store and release fat when the body needs it
5. Store and release minerals
When the body experiences excess minerals, the function of human bones is to store them. After that, release it when needed by the body. Some types of minerals stored by bones are phosphorus, vitamin D, and calcium.
Bone Structure in the Human Body
Human bones are made up of different types of tissues that make up their structure. Here are the main components of the bone structure in the human body:
- Solid bone tissue: This is the hard tissue that forms the outside of the bone.
- Chancellular tissue: The soft tissue inside the bone that has a sponge-like structure. It is traversed by blood and lymph vessels.
- Subchondrial Tissue: The delicate tissue that sits at the end of the bone and is covered by cartilage.
- Periosteum: A hard, thin membrane that lines the outside of the bone, providing additional protection.
- Bone Marrow: Soft tissue found inside the bone cavity. Bone marrow plays an important role in the formation of blood cells.
Bone Cells: Made up of several types of cells, namely:
- Osteoblasts: Cells responsible for forming new bone tissue.
- Osteoclasts: Cells that are involved in the breakdown of old bone tissue, allowing the formation of new bone.
- Osteocytes: Cells that function to maintain the integrity and structure of the bone.
With these different types of tissues and cells, the human bone structure can maintain the strength, integrity and function of the body as a whole.
How to maintain healthy human bone function
In order for human bone function to continue to work properly, bone health needs to be maintained. There are some easy ways you can do to maintain it.
1. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking
If you are a woman, avoid consuming more than one alcoholic drink per day. If you are a man, avoid consuming more than two alcoholic drinks daily.
2. Eat calcium-rich foods
Calcium plays an important role in making bones strong and less porous. Therefore, make sure to consume calcium as needed. In adults aged 19 to 50, the Daily Intake Requirement (KAD) of calcium is 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day. While for women aged 51 years and over and men aged 71 years and over is 1,200 mg per day. Calcium can be obtained through dairy, almonds, broccoli, kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines, and soy products such as tofu. If you are struggling to get enough calcium from your diet, consult your doctor about supplements.
3. Meet your Vitamin D intake
For proper function of human bones, your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. For adults aged 19 to 70 years, the vitamin D KAD is 600 international units (IU) per day. This recommendation increases to 800 IU per day for adults aged 71 years and above. Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. In addition, mushrooms, eggs, and fortified foods such as milk and cereals are also good sources of vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight can also increase vitamin D production in the body. In addition, you can also take vitamin D supplements if you have difficulty getting sources of vitamin D.
4. Exercise regularly
Exercise such as walking, jogging, and climbing stairs can help you strengthen your bones and prevent bone loss.
Those are some explanations of the functions of bones in humans that are often realized. Make sure to always maintain bone health so that it can continue to be healthy until old age.
Thanks for reading this article. Have a nice day.
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