What is Osseous Tissue?

Article Details
  • Written By: Mary McMahon
  • Edited By: Kristen Osborne
  • Last Modified Date: 29 May 2016
  • Copyright Protected:
    Conjecture Corporation
  • Print this Article
Free Widgets for your Site/Blog


Osseous tissue is a type of connective tissue found in bone. It is the primary constituent of bone, creating the mineral matrix that makes bones hard, strong, and lightweight. Along with osseous tissue, the bones also include marrow, blood vessels, nerves, and epithelium, which covers the surface of the bone. As with many other types of tissue, osseous tissue is continually renewing itself and being broken down by the body.

There are two types of osseous tissue: spongy and compact. Biologically, they are the same, but the cells within the tissue arrange themselves in different ways. Compact tissue found around the outer edges of the bones is made up of a tightly packed matrix of minerals. Spongy tissue is arranged more loosely, creating space for bone marrow inside the middle of the bone. Both matrixes are formed from osteoblasts, cells that produce the collagen used as the backbone, so to speak, of the bone.

Also known as calcium tissue, osseous tissue includes a number of minerals. The body requires a constant supply of minerals to create new supplies of bone, especially while people are growing or in the wake of breaks. People who do not get enough minerals can develop weakened bones and may be at risk for osteoporosis later in life. Certain disorders of the bone can involve an accelerated rate of breakdown of the bone, causing minerals in the bloodstream to rise and making the bones brittle.


The bones play an important role in the body. They provide support for the muscles and nerves, create points of attachment for muscles and tendons to facilitate movement, and house the critical marrow cells that are responsible for producing new blood cells. Bones also provide protection to vulnerable organs like the brain, heart, and lungs. These organs are surrounded by bone formations that are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury, as damage to these organs can result in serious complications.

Disorders of the bone can involve the osseous tissue. This tissue may overgrow, leading to spurs and other outgrowths of bone. It can grow too slowly, making the bones fragile and potentially leading to stunted growth. This tissue can also become inflamed and infected. Treatment options for bone diseases can include surgery, medications, bone marrow transplants, and a number of other options. An orthopedic doctor is usually involved in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries involving the bone.


You might also Like


Discuss this Article

Post 3

I had a lovely dog when I was a kid and he ended up developing bone spurs in his spine. I guess it's something that can happen with age, with humans and with dogs.

Unfortunately, he was a stoic old thing and we didn't realize what the problem was until the bones had compressed the nerves around his bladder, so that we had to have him put to sleep. We were very sad about it.

I guess the moral here is, if you are having problems with more aches and pains in your bones than usual, go and get them checked out! There's no shame in taking steps to ensure you live a long and healthy life.

Post 2

@pleonasm - This disease is more properly known as Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (or FOP) and it's a genetic disorder. It is very rare, and unfortunately, because of that, doctors often misdiagnose at first, and do all sorts of tests on the patient, which, of course, can make them worse.

It generally starts showing up around the age of ten, and usually extra osseous bone tissue will grow around the spine even if there is no trauma.

There is a man who suffered from it who died in the 70's and left his skeleton to science that you can see in a museum in Philadelphia if you are interested in learning more about it.

Post 1

One of the more unusual diseases that can affect the body is known as Stone Man Syndrome, where other kinds of human tissue turn into bone when they are injured.

Even just an ordinary bump to the shin can cause the tissue there to start turning itself into bone.

I saw this for the first time on Grey's Anatomy and didn't think it could be a real disease. But, apparently it is, although it's very rare.

The sad thing is that even if the people who suffer from it get the extra bone tissue removed, they develop more because of the damage from the surgery. So, at the moment, there really is no cure, although the progression of the disease can be slowed with very careful management.

Post your comments

Post Anonymously


forgot password?