Yone Production Inc.

The entire human body is made of cells, and health is maintained through the continuous process of old cells making way for new cells. Bones are no exception. This film looks into how bones are made up of cells, how they are broken up and how they are reformed. What do the cells that are continuously engaged in bone formation and bone resorption do, and how is balance maintained within the body? Color 17 min. (1982) Sponsored by Teijin Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. And Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Astellas Pharma Inc.) Produced by Yone Production Inc.

Over a long process of evolution, animals developed the complex functions of bones. Not only do bones support the body, they also serve to store and release minerals that the body needs, such as calcium and phosphorus. In addition, bones are constantly being broken down and reformed, and this is controlled by vitamin D and other hormones. Vitamin D works on the cells that create bone to promote bone formation. The bones that these cells build support life itself. Academic supervisor Hajime ORIMO (Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo) and Tetsuo INOUE (Hamamatsu University School of Medicine)

The red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body have a lifespan of 120 days. The living body continuously produces blood to ensure a plentiful supply of red blood cells. This film accurately records the conversion of stem cells into red blood cells. Conditions such as encounters with various other cells and contact with signals sent by other cells are important for the growth of blood cells, and the erythropoietin is one of these important signals. This signal stimulates the stromal cells to produce the necessary number of red blood cells which are continuously sent into the bloodstream. Scientific supervisor Fumimaro TAKAKU, M.D. Ph.D. (University of Tokyo)