Final answer:
Osteology is the scientific study of bones, focusing on their structure, function, growth, and pathology. It is a key element of anatomy and is essential in the diagnosis and study of living organisms and fossils.
Step-by-step explanation:
The science or study of bones is referred to as osteology. Osteology is a sub-discipline of anatomy, which is the scientific study of the body's structures. Bone tissue is a complex living tissue that contributes to the support and function of other body systems, and osteology focuses on the structure, function, development, and diseases of bones. It encompasses the study of the gross anatomy of bone, its histology, and the process of bone formation, development, and repair.
Bone is also central to the work of paleontologists, who study fossils to understand life's history. While studying human anatomy, physicians and researchers can observe the bones and their structures through various imaging techniques, which help diagnose conditions such as fractured bones or track the growth and development of bones in living organisms.