Which of the following is NOT one of the basic parts of bone?

• A. Inorganic calcium salts
• B. Osteocytes
• C. Matrix
• D. Fibrous tissue

Answer: (D)

Bone is a specialized connective tissue that has a complex structure composed of various components. The basic parts of bone include inorganic calcium salts, osteocytes, and the matrix, each playing critical roles in bone function and structure.

Inorganic calcium salts are essential for providing the bone with its hardness and strength. These salts, primarily hydroxyapatite, give bone its rigidity, allowing it to withstand stress and pressure.

Osteocytes are the most abundant cells found in bone. They originate from osteoblasts and are embedded within the bone matrix. Osteocytes serve multiple functions, including the maintenance of bone tissue and the regulation of mineral content in the matrix, thus playing a crucial role in bone health and remodeling.

The matrix is the extracellular component of bone that provides a scaffold for bone structure. It comprises organic components, such as collagen fibers and ground substance, along with the inorganic calcium salts. This combination allows the bone to be both strong and flexible, accommodating various forces to which it may be subjected.

Fibrous tissue, while it can be found in bone, such as in the membranes surrounding bone like the periosteum and endosteum, is not considered a basic part of bone itself. The term "basic parts of bone" specifically refers to the inherent