[The structural basis of bone I].

Divergent opinions on the relations between mechanical forces and bones motivated the authors to reevaluate the problem in its entirely. First, the most important environmental forces were recorded in order to be able to assess the primary relationships to living matters. The fundamental differences between the distribution of mechanical strain in a cell and in an inanimate solid substance were analysed. This analysis was reconducted on multicellulars. On the basis of embryologic experience and knowledge it was proved that the building principles of bony tissue is diametrically different from that of technical constructions. The mineralized substances serve to prop the supports necessary for muscular activity and take over the compressive strain, whereas the organic substances, and especially the collagens, take on the tensile strain in the bony tissue.