What chemical elements are there in bones?
The major chemical elements in bones are:
- Calcium: Calcium makes up about 39% of the weight of bone. It is essential for the formation of hydroxyapatite, the mineral that gives bones their strength and rigidity.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus makes up about 18.5% of the weight of bone. It is also essential for the formation of hydroxyapatite.
- Magnesium: Magnesium makes up about 1.5% of the weight of bone. It is important for bone strength and flexibility.
- Sodium: Sodium makes up about 0.5% of the weight of bone. It helps to regulate the balance of fluids in bones.
- Potassium: Potassium makes up about 0.4% of the weight of bone. It is important for bone growth and repair.
- Zinc: Zinc makes up about 0.3% of the weight of bone. It is important for bone mineralization and growth.
- Copper: Copper makes up about 0.01% of the weight of bone. It is important for bone formation and repair.
- Iron: Iron makes up about 0.005% of the weight of bone. It is important for bone growth and repair.
- Fluorine: Fluorine makes up about 0.001% of the weight of bone. It helps to protect bones against cavities.