Bone diseases are conditions that result in the impairment of normal bone function and can make bones weak. Weak bones should not just be excused as a natural part of aging. Strong bones begin in childhood. People of all ages can improve their bone health. Bone is a connective tissue that contains a hardened matrix of mineral salts and collagen fibers. Its cells include osteocytes, which are embedded within lacunae, and the free-roaming osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In addition to providing shape and structure to the body, bone stores mineral salts and aids information of blood cells under an outer "periosteum" layer, compact bone, a hard mass made up of layers of bone cell (osteocyte) tissue in concentric layers (Haversian system), forms the outer shell of most bones, surrounding inner spongy bone with its network of bony bars, and nerves. Bones support body structures, protect internal organs, and (in conjunction with muscles) facilitate movement; are also involved with cell formation, calcium metabolism, and mineral storage. The bones of an animal are, collectively, known as the skeleton.
Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, which are autoimmune diseases; septic arthritis, caused by joint infection; and the more common osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. Arthritis can be caused from strains and injuries caused by repetitive motion, sports, overexertion, and falls. Arthritic joints can be sensitive to weather changes. The increased sensitivity is thought to be caused by the affected joints developing extra nerve endings in an attempt to protect the joint from further damage.
Bone is living tissue that provides shape and support for the body, as well as protection for some organs. Bone also serves as a storage site for minerals and provides the medium - marrow - for the development and storage of blood cells. Because the functions of bone are numerous and complex, there are many disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. These conditions include the following: benign (non-cancerous) disorders cancers that occur in bone cancers that affect bone.
