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Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues
Chapter 5, Problem 3

The organic portion of matrix is important in providing all but a. tensile strength b. hardness c. ability to resist stretch d. flexibility.

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1
Identify the components of the organic portion of the bone matrix, which primarily consists of collagen fibers and ground substance.
Understand the role of collagen fibers in the bone matrix, which is to provide tensile strength and flexibility.
Recognize that tensile strength refers to the ability of a material to withstand tension without breaking.
Consider the property of hardness, which is typically provided by the inorganic components of the bone matrix, such as hydroxyapatite crystals.
Determine which property (a, b, c, or d) is not primarily provided by the organic portion of the matrix, focusing on the role of collagen and organic materials.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Organic Matrix in Materials

The organic portion of a material's matrix, often composed of proteins and polysaccharides, plays a crucial role in determining the material's mechanical properties. It contributes to the overall structure and function, influencing characteristics such as flexibility and tensile strength.
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Tensile Strength

Tensile strength refers to the maximum amount of tensile (pulling) stress that a material can withstand before failure. In materials with an organic matrix, this property is often enhanced by the presence of collagen or similar proteins, which provide structural integrity and resistance to deformation.
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Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability of a material to bend or deform without breaking. In the context of organic matrices, flexibility is largely influenced by the composition and arrangement of organic components, allowing materials to absorb energy and return to their original shape after stress is applied.
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