For Manual Therapists conceptualizing bone is something of a challenge. Classical anatomy presents bone as a static, mineralized structure that treats loads as compressional, somewhat like a stack of bricks. The dynamic and self-healing properties of bone are not obvious, especially its pliable qualities. However, bone is by volume 33 to 43% minerals, 32 to 44% organics, and 15 to 25% water. With skilled manipulation, the pliable qualities of this matrix become apparent, however, a theoretical understanding of what is happening when bones change has until now escaped me.
This article in the Feb 22 2013 journal Science is an in-depth review of our current understanding of the structure and function of structural biological materials. It covers the functional dynamics of many of these materials, including human bone.
STRUCTURAL BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS: CRITICAL MECHANICS – MATERIAL CONNECTIONS
INTERESTING MATERIAL SCIENCE DISCUSSION RELATED TO THE STRUCTURE OF BONE