Are fish bone and human bones alike?

No, fish bones and human bones are not alike. While both are made of calcium phosphate, there are significant differences in their structure, composition, and function.

1. Structure: Fish bones are made of lightweight, thin, and flexible bone tissue known as teleost bone. They are hollow and filled with a gelatinous substance called the notochord. In contrast, human bones are composed of a more rigid and dense type of bone tissue called Haversian bone. They are compact and filled with bone marrow.

2. Composition: Fish bones contain a higher percentage of water and less mineral content compared to human bones. Human bones are composed of approximately 65% inorganic materials, primarily calcium phosphate, and 35% organic materials, mostly collagen. Fish bones, on the other hand, have a lower mineral content and higher water content.

3. Function: Fish bones primarily serve two functions: support and locomotion. They provide structural support to the body and facilitate swimming by offering flexibility and buoyancy. Human bones, in addition to providing support and protection for organs, also play crucial roles in mineral storage, blood cell production, and muscle attachment. They are involved in various mechanical functions like walking, lifting, and fine motor movements.

Therefore, while both fish bones and human bones contain calcium phosphate as their primary mineral component, they differ significantly in structure, composition, and function.