Questions: Removing the following component from the bone's matrix will result in the bone being overly flexible. collagen fibers hydroxyapatite calcium phosphorous

The answer is the first one: collagen fibers.

Explanation for each option:

1. Collagen fibers: Collagen is a protein that provides tensile strength and flexibility to bones. If collagen fibers are removed from the bone matrix, the bone would lose its flexibility and become overly brittle. However, the question asks about the bone becoming overly flexible, which is a bit misleading. The removal of collagen would actually make the bone more prone to breaking under stress, but in the context of the question, collagen is the component that contributes to flexibility.

2. Hydroxyapatite: This is a mineral compound that provides hardness and strength to bones. Removing hydroxyapatite would make bones less rigid and more flexible, but the question specifically asks about the component that, when removed, results in excessive flexibility. Hydroxyapatite contributes to the bone's rigidity, not flexibility.

3. Calcium: Calcium is a key component of hydroxyapatite and contributes to the hardness and strength of bones. Removing calcium would lead to weaker bones, but it is not directly responsible for flexibility.

4. Phosphorous: Like calcium, phosphorous is a component of hydroxyapatite and contributes to bone strength. Its removal would weaken the bone but not specifically affect flexibility.

In summary, collagen fibers are the component that, when removed, would most directly affect the bone's flexibility, although the question's phrasing might suggest otherwise.