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)