Did you know that there are some people whose bones cannot break? It sounds like a superpower, doesn't it? This genetic anomaly, also called a magic mutation by some, was first discovered in 1994.
This mutation is associated with the gene LRP5. A mutation in the LRP5 gene can cause an uncommon disorder in which bone density is greatly increased, making the bones very strong and resistant to fractures. Essentially, this mutation makes bones nearly indestructible. It's truly incredible.
Ongoing research in this area aims to uncover more about this gene, which could potentially lead to better treatments for conditions affecting bones, including osteoporosis.
For those of us whose bones do break, knowing which bone is the strongest in our body would be interesting, right? Well, here's a hint: it's located in your lower body. Did you take a guess? It is the femur.
The femur is one of the most well-described bones in the human skeleton, with uses ranging from clinical anatomy to forensic medicine. It's the longest and strongest bone in the human body, making it one of the most well-preserved in skeletal remains. Because of this, it contributes significantly to archaeology. Located in the thigh, it spans the hip and knee joints, helping maintain upright posture by supporting the skeleton.
The humerus bone is in the upper arm and spans the shoulder and elbow joints. This is the same bone that's often referred to as the "funny bone" because the ulnar nerve curves around the elbow end of the humerus, making it susceptible to getting knocked, causing a funny tingling sensation down the forearm. The humerus assists in various everyday activities, such as eating and lifting objects.
