Introduction

In this activity, we explore the anatomy of the cow bone, identifying its
structures as well as the chemical composition of the chicken bone. Bones
support and protect the body and its organs. They also produce various blood
cells, store minerals, and provide support for mobility in conjunction with muscle.
Bone is made of bone tissue, a type of dense connective tissue. Bone (osseous)
tissue is the structural and supportive connective tissue of the body that forms
the rigid part of the bones that make up the skeleton. Overall, the bones of the
body are an organ made up of bone tissue, bone marrow, blood vessels,
epithelium, and nerves. (Boundless Anatomy and Physiology, 2012)

Bones are made up of several complex parts that are all living and
growing tissue. Unlike bones that are typically seen in outside environments,
human bones are dense, growing and somewhat soft. The three main parts of a
bone are the periosteum, compact bone and cancellous. The periosteum is the
outer layer of the bone, and it provides the blood vessels that nourish the inner
part of the bone. The compact bone gives the bones the strength needed to
function and is very hard. Cancellous bone makes up the inside of the bone
surrounding the marrow; it is softer and sponge-like, unlike the compact bone.
(reference.com) Bone is a composite structure made up of two main
components: A mineral called hydroxy-apatite and a protein called collagen.
(The Naked Scientists) Hydroxy-apatite is a hard brittle material, a major
component and an essential ingredient of normal bone and teeth. It makes up
bone mineral and the matrix of teeth. It is hydroxyapatite that gives bones and
teeth their rigidity. (The Free Dictionary) The other component is the collagen, a
stringy rubbery polymer which is the substance which the end of your nose is
made of. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is the
substance that holds the whole body together. It is found in the bones, muscles,
skin and tendons, where it forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure. (J.
McIntosh, 2015)
 The main objectives of this activity are to identify the structures in a long
bone, differentiate the compact bone and the spongy bone, and describe
whether heating and acidity will affect the hardness and flexibility of the bone.

References:

Boundless. Gross Anatomy. Boundless Anatomy and Physiology Boundless,

2016. https://www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-
and-physiology-textbook/skeletal-system-6/introduction-to-bone-71/gross-
anatomy-435-1161/

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/hydroxyapatite

https://www.reference.com/science/bone-made-
8540ad3df87324d?qo=contentSimilarQuestions

https://www.thenakedscientists.com/get-naked/experiments/bendy-and-brittle-
bones

McIntosh, J. 2015. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881.php