Ultrastructural organization of the human lamellar bone tissue mineral component in aged and elderly

The lamellar bone mineral component in mature and senile age was studied using the methods of transmission electron microscopy and cryofractography. This component was shown to be formed by crystals (13-4 x 7-8 x 3-4 nm) of the prismatic shape that formed coplanar units (29-3 x 18-21 x 3-4 nm). The peculiarities of mineral particle distribution inside and between the collagen fibrils, as well as on the completely formed areas of bone surface, were detected. It was established that the length and the width of coplanar crystal aggregates was significantly higher in senile age as compared to similar linear parameters defined in persons of mature age (by 17-20 and 5-9%, respectively).