Bone: Functions, Structure and Physiology

In this chapter, bone functions, regulation, morphological structure and physiology are revisited. Bone is a highly complex tissue, very sensitive and responsive to external and internal stimuli, and intimately intertwined with other organs. From embryogenesis to endocrine regulation and bone remodelling, a global assessment is presented. Considering the scope of this book, special emphasis is given to how cell structure and tissue organization modulate the response to mechanical stimuli.