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Cortical bone, SEM C017 / 8496
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Cortical bone, SEM C017 / 8496
False-coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph of cortical bone (compact bone). Cortical bone forms the dense, hard outer layer of most bones and is much more compact than the open structured spongy bone or trabecular bone, that is found within the middle of large bones. Bone is essentially a biological composite material, somewhat akin to glass fibre or carbon fibre reinforced synthetic composites; the collagen fibrils (striated fibres that can be seen in this image) form the overall structure and provide flexibility to the tissue, within a matrix of stickly non-collagenous proteins acting like a resin. Calcium hydroxyapatite nanocrstals are distributed throughout the protein matrix, giving bone its hardness. The resulting bone is both incredibly tough and relatively lightweight. The image width is 4.97 microns
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Media ID 9212917
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Collagen Compact Bone Cortical Bone Electron Microscope Electron Microscopy Orthopaedics Osseous Osseous Tissue
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate beauty of cortical bone, specifically compact bone. Serving as the tough and dense outer layer of most bones, cortical bone differs greatly from the spongy or trabecular bone found within larger bones' interiors. In essence, bone can be likened to a biological composite material akin to reinforced synthetic composites like glass fiber or carbon fiber. Upon closer inspection of this false-colored scanning electron micrograph, one can observe collagen fibrils that form the overall structure of the tissue. These striated fibers provide flexibility while being surrounded by a matrix of sticky non-collagenous proteins acting as a resin-like substance. Distributed throughout this protein matrix are calcium hydroxyapatite nanocrystals responsible for granting bone its remarkable hardness. The resulting composition is an extraordinary combination of toughness and relative lightweightness that makes our skeletal system capable of supporting us in various activities. With a width measuring 4.97 microns, this image truly captures the intricacies and complexity present within osseous tissues. Through advancements in electron microscopy technology, orthopedics and other fields have gained invaluable insights into mineralized tissues such as compact bone. This particular print is courtesy of SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY - not just any company but an esteemed provider known for their exceptional scientific imagery contributions across various disciplines
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