What makes bone hard and strong?
Bones contain different types of cells:
- Osteoblasts: These cells form new bone tissue, and lay down layers of collagen (a protein) and calcium phosphate.
- Osteocytes: Once an osteoblast matures, it becomes an osteocyte. These cells are responsible for maintaining bone tissue.
- Osteoclasts: These cells remove old or damaged bone tissue, by breaking down collagen and dissolving the minerals.