Interaction between the nervous and skeletal systems

Abstract

The skeleton is one of the largest organ systems in the body and is richly innervated by the network of nerves. Peripheral nerves in the skeleton include sensory and sympathetic nerves. Crosstalk between bones and nerves is a hot topic of current research, yet it is not well understood. In this review, we will explore the role of nerves in bone repair and remodeling, as well as summarize the molecular mechanisms by which neurotransmitters regulate osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, we discuss the skeleton’s role as an endocrine organ that regulates the innervation and function of nerves by secreting bone-derived factors. An understanding of the interactions between nerves and bone can help to prevent and treat bone diseases caused by abnormal innervation or nerve function, develop new strategies for clinical bone regeneration, and improve patient outcomes.

Innervation and osteoclast distribution in the inferior pharyngeal jaw of the cichlid Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

“…Furthermore, the distribution of nerves and osteoclasts should be observed by a live imaging technique. As already mentioned, osteoclasts may be captured as they migrate over growing nerve fibers to reach the bone region (Iwasaki et al, 2022) or as they clean debris from nerve fibers for remodeling (Kolter et al, 2020; Lei et al, 2023; Xu et al, 2022). These may reveal new functions for nerves and osteoclasts in the iPJ remodeling.…”

“…However, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5b (TRAP5b) is also expressed in macrophages, and it plays an essential role in the immune response to bacterial infection in the Nile tilapia (Lei et al, 2023). In mammals, a bidirectional relationship exists in which macrophages secrete nerve growth factors and act on nerves to contribute to bone remodeling (Xu et al, 2022). In addition, nerve-associated macrophages, distinct from conventional migratory macrophages derived from monocytes, are located in the peripheral nerves of multiple organs, where they play an important role in maintaining the functions related to peripheral nerve guidance and regeneration (Kolter et al, 2020).…”

Hydrogel‐Based Systems in Neuro‐Vascularized Bone Regeneration: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy

“…The nerve regeneration process further promoted vascular remodeling and bone regeneration at the defective site. [48,49] Vascularization is also essential in bone regeneration. The close spatial and temporal relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis has been termed "angiogenic-osteogenic coupling".…”

Homo sapiens—A Species Not Designed for Space Flight: Health Risks in Low Earth Orbit and Beyond, Including Potential Risks When Traveling beyond the Geomagnetic Field of Earth

“…Both bone and muscles are innervated, but in muscle, the functioning is directly related to the extensive network of neuromuscular junctions. In contrast, while bone [ 40 , 41 , 42 ] and bone marrow [ 43 , 44 ] are innervated, the pattern of innervation of bone indicates that not all cells in the bone are in proximity with nerve endings. Thus, some cells in the bone may play an amplification role regarding the influence of the neural input into the bone environment.…”