The mechanical properties of bone are fundamental to the ability of our skeletons to support
movement and to provide protection to our vital organs. As such, deterioration in mechanical
behavior with aging and/or diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes can have profound
consequences for individuals' quality of life. This article reviews current knowledge of the
basic mechanical behavior of bone at length scales ranging from hundreds of nanometers to
tens of centimeters. We present the basic tenets of bone mechanics and connect them to …