• Question: how are the skeletons so strong

    Asked by ls to Claire, Liad, Ruth, Ryan, Mako on 13 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Ryan Cheale

      Ryan Cheale answered on 13 Jun 2015:

      The skeleton is strong not just due to it’s own structural integrity of calcium etc (the bone in your thigh is as strong as concrete!) but the muscles which fully surround and support your body. If you just had bones, like a skeleton you’d just fall to the floor. But with muscles, ligaments and tendons you’re self supporting.

    • Photo: Claire Bryer

      Claire Bryer answered on 15 Jun 2015:

      Different bones are different strengths and the reason they are so strong is because of their complex structure. Mineralised tissue forms as bones, which is why things like calcium are handy to keep bones strong 🙂

      However bones can break! Although bones are strong enough to hold us up and to help our muscles do stuff, they are only strong in a particular direction. If you push against a bone in the wrong direction, it can break. This is because as well as being strong, your skeleton has to be light. If your skeleton was too heavy you would find it difficult to walk everywhere! Your body compromises by making your skeleton as strong as it possibly can, without being too heavy.

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