10 Strange and Interesting Facts About Your Bones

Did you know that you lose your bones over time? Have you ever thought about which bones are the longest and which are the shortest or wondered how bones heal? Orthopedic surgeon Kim Stearns, MD, shares interesting and surprising facts about your bones and advice on maintaining bone health.

1. Why do you lose some bone

It's weird to think about it - wondering how this could happen because they're covered in your skin? You were born with about 300 bones but you only end up with 206. Many of the bones, such as those in your skull, fuse together as you grow.

2. What makes you grow

As long as the growth plates (at the end of the long bones in your arms and legs) stay open, you are growing. Dishes close in the late teens for boys and within two years of their periods beginning for girls.

3. How to keep your bones healthy

Your bone density increases until you reach the age of 30. Then the intensity drops unless you get enough exercise and calcium, vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin D from the foods you eat. What makes healthy bones healthier is providing them with the nutrients they need and exercising - even daily walking.

4. How bone fractures heal

The process can vary based on the type of fracture that has occurred. Most of the rest periods are curable, and blood vessels form in the area as soon as they are broken to help begin the healing process. Within 21 days, collagen forms, strengthens and holds the broken pieces in place. The damaged surfaces hold together to form new bone - the new bone is often stronger than the original bone.

5. Your skeleton has many functions

It moves you. It protects your brain, heart and lungs. They make blood cells. It stores and organizes minerals to aid your entire system.

6. Your longest and shortest bones

The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest. The stirrup-shaped stirrup in the middle ear (measuring just 0.11 inch) is the shortest.

7. Where you have the most number of bones

54 bones in your hand, fingers, and wrists allow you to write, use a smartphone, and play the piano.

8. Bones are living tissue

Collagen in the bones constantly replenishes itself. So every 7 years, you have a new skeleton.

9. Your teeth are part of your bone structure as well

They contain calcium and minerals like bones. But it lacks collagen, which gives bones flexibility and strength.

10. The special function of the woman's skeleton

The skeletons of men and women look surprisingly similar. But the shape, size and angle of a woman's pelvis are specifically designed for childbirth.