[State of the microscopic and crystalline structures, the microhardness and mineral saturation of human bone tissue after prolonged space flight].
The bone tissue removed by autopsy from the crewmembers of the orbital station Salyut-1 after their 23-day space flight was investigated histologically, crystallographically, biophysically and biochemically. The comprehensive studies showed good correlation of the parameters studied. The microscopic and crystalline structures of bone tissue of every skeletal bone tested (ox calcis, frmoral epiphysis and diaphysis, vertebrae, ribs, sternum) did not differ from the normal. The data were in agreement with the parameters of bone microhardness and mineralization which also remained within the normal limits. No pathological changes in the above parameters were noted. Greater packing of the crystal lattice, increased microhardness and mineralization of bone tissue can be attributed to the effect of exercises.