Describe the general characheristics and structural features of
osseous tissue.(in the human body)

Hi, and thanks for the question

This is taken from the McGraw Hill guide to tissues of the human body
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/ap/histology_mh/osseous.html

"Osseous tissue or bone is the major structural and supportive
connective tissue of the body.  The matrix of bone contains abundant
collagen fibers and these impart strength, some flex, and resistance
to twisting or torsional forces.  Surrounding these "reinforcing rods"
of collagen is a cement-like ground substance called hydroxyapatite. 
This mineral complex of calcium phosphate salts makes bone highly
resistant to compression forces.  Together,collagen fibers and
hydroxyapatite make bone one of the strongest and lightest materials
known."

Osseous tissue forms the variety of bones that make up the skeletal
system.  As such, osseous tissue directly or indirectly contributes to
some very important body functions that include:

- support for muscles, organs, and soft tissues 
- leverage and movement for the synovial joints 
- protection for critical organs 
- calcium phosphate storage for mineral balance 
- hemopoiesis to aid formation of blood cells 

As a whole, the osseous tissue makes up the human skeleton, and you
can find a good simple description of the structure of the skeleton at
the Enchanted Learning site here:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/skeleton/Skelprintout.shtml

willie-ga

Searches used
human skeleton
osseous tissue 
human anatomy bones