Which pair constitutes the primary mineral content of bone?

Which pair constitutes the primary mineral content of bone?

• A. Calcium and phosphate
• B. Sodium and chloride
• C. Magnesium and potassium
• D. Iron and calcium

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that bone strength comes from its mineral phase, which consists of calcium phosphate crystals embedded in the collagen matrix. The primary mineral content of bone is calcium and phosphate, which together form hydroxyapatite crystals that harden and reinforce the bone. Other ions like sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium exist in smaller amounts or in other tissues, and iron is mainly associated with bone marrow rather than the mineralized bone itself. So calcium and phosphate are the defining minerals of bone mineral.

The main concept is that bone strength comes from its mineral phase, which consists of calcium phosphate crystals embedded in the collagen matrix. The primary mineral content of bone is calcium and phosphate, which together form hydroxyapatite crystals that harden and reinforce the bone. Other ions like sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium exist in smaller amounts or in other tissues, and iron is mainly associated with bone marrow rather than the mineralized bone itself. So calcium and phosphate are the defining minerals of bone mineral.