Osteology is the study of bone and bone tissue. Osteology also often encompasses the study of the connective tissues associated with bone and of the physical properties of bone.

Bones are structurally different from most other forms of living tissue because they blend a capacity for great strength with a capacity for growth and repair. Although lightweight, bones have a great strength and capacity to bear weight many times greater than the bone itself. Bones resist compression, but do show some elasticity (ability to bend). Portions of bone are also dynamic living tissues that can adapt to stress. This dynamic flexibility allows bone to respond to the correcting applications of leg braces or the bony portions of teeth to respond to the application of orthodontic braces.

Because bone is a living tissue, osteologists study the role that nutrition and physiological processes (e.g. endocrine function) play in the...