Your Bones Do More Than You Think

TL;DR

Bones are not just structural body parts, but also significant endocrine organs that produce hormones and chemical signals. They affect various body systems, from brain development to fertility and hunger regulation.

Transcript

Thanks to Brilliant for supporting  this episode of SciShow. Go to Brilliant.org/SciShow to get  started learning STEM for free, and if you’re interested in an annual premium  subscription you’ll get 20% off our link. [♪ INTRO] Bones. You know 'em, you love  'em, and you…probably have them shout out to all the crabs who watch SciShow! And bones hav... Read More

Key Insights

• ☠️ Bones are not just structural but also function as significant endocrine organs.
• ☠️ Adiponectin and osteocalcin are hormones produced by bone-specific cells that regulate insulin sensitivity, hunger, and male fertility.
• 🧠 Osteocalcin has a direct effect on brain development and function.
• ☠️ Chemical signals from bones can also impact the body's stress response.
• ☠️ Bone diseases like osteoporosis may disrupt the endocrine system.
• 🥺 Long-term bed rest can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of other health issues.
• ☠️ Understanding the roles of bones can lead to better treatment options for bone-related illnesses and other conditions.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do bones contribute to insulin sensitivity?

Bone marrow fat cells produce the hormone adiponectin, which increases cells' sensitivity to insulin and regulates blood sugar levels.

Q: How do bones regulate hunger signals?

Bone-specific cells called osteoblasts produce the protein lipocalin-2, which suppresses hunger signals sent by the brain when it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Q: What role does osteocalcin play in male fertility?

Osteocalcin promotes testosterone production in the testes and helps with the development and functioning of neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory.

Q: How do bones affect the stress response?

Osteocalcin inhibits parts of the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body down, effectively increasing the fight or flight response.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Bones contain cells that store fat, produce blood cells, and create and shape bone tissue.

• Hormones produced by bone-specific cells, such as adiponectin and osteocalcin, play roles in regulating insulin sensitivity, hunger, male fertility, and brain development.

• Chemical signals from bones can affect the body's stress response and may have implications for the treatment of bone-related illnesses and other health issues.