Did you know that your body contains 206 bones? Bones make up the skeletal system of every body. Without bones, we would be like a blob of jelly! But what exactly are bones? How do they work? What are they made of? And how do they function?

First, bones are alive. You probably think of bones as hard, dry and lifeless in a museum or exhibit; however, our bones are growing and changing all the time. The outer surface of a bone is called the periosteum (pare-ee-os-tee-um). This outer layer contains nerves and blood vessels. Although thin, it is quite dense. The next layer is the compact bone, which is what we see in a skeleton. This layer is smooth, yet very hard. Within the compact bone, there are many sponge-like layers called cancellous (kan-seh-lus). The cancellous part of the bone protects the inner most part: bone marrow. Interestingly, bone marrow is similar to thick jelly and is where blood cells are made.

From an infant to about age 25, your bones are constantly growing. A baby has over 300 bones in his or her body. Most of these bones are made of cartilage, which is soft and flexible (like your nose or ears). As the baby grows, his or her bones become fused together, making them bigger and stronger.

There are many complex areas of bones in your body. For example, your spine consists of 26 smaller bones that allow you to move, bend, twist, sit, or hold the top half of your body up. Your spine also protects the spinal cord, which is comprised of many nerves. Other bones, such as your ribs, protect essential organs. Bones not only protect or keep your body together, but the bones in your arms, legs, feet, and hands allow you to move. Almost half of the bones in your entire body are in the hands and feet. The bones in your legs and feet are incredibly strong because they have to support your entire weight. There are 52 bones in your ankles and feet alone. Just imagine the detail of every little bone being put in its exact place. What if some of these small bones were forgotten? Imagine walking without toes!

An amazing function of bones is that they manufacture blood cells. Inside a bone, where the marrow is, several blood vessels carry blood to the rest of the body. Both white and red cells are made in the marrow, mostly in the spine, ribs, pelvis, skull and breastbone. Plasma, which is 90% water, carries these cells throughout the body.

It is important to take care of your bones, considering that they make blood, allow you to move and keep organs safe. Bones need various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and many more.

Truly, God’s creation of the human body is marvelous. With all the details and intricacies of bones, we are reminded of His intelligence and great power.