Think your skeleton is a permanent structure? Think again! Your bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt in a process called bone remodeling. In fact, your body creates an entirely new skeleton approximately every 10 years.
This remarkable regeneration happens through specialized cells called osteoclasts that break down old bone tissue, while osteoblasts build new bone. At any given moment, about 10% of your skeleton is being actively remodeled. This continuous renovation helps repair microdamage and adapt your bones to the physical demands you place on them.
The process isn't uniform—some parts regenerate faster than others. Your ribs, for instance, might be replaced every few months, while deeper portions of your thigh bones might take decades to completely turn over. This remarkable self-renewal system explains why bone fractures can heal and why weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones. You're literally rebuilding yourself from the inside out!