What type of biomaterial is composed of inorganic compounds that contain metallic and non-metallic elements?

Ceramics are a type of biomaterial that are primarily composed of inorganic compounds and may contain both metallic and non-metallic elements. These materials can be crystalline or amorphous and exhibit a wide range of properties, such as high strength, low thermal and electrical conductivity, and excellent biocompatibility. This makes ceramics particularly valuable in applications such as bone grafts, dental implants, and other load-bearing applications where both mechanical strength and biocompatibility are vital.

In contrast, metals, although also inorganic, generally consist of metallic elements and are known for their high tensile strength and electrical conductivity, but they do not encompass the same variety of non-metallic elements that ceramics do. Polymers are organic compounds made primarily from carbon and are characterized by their versatility and flexibility, but they do not fall under the category of inorganic materials. Composites are materials made from two or more constituent materials (which can be a mix of polymers, ceramics, and metals) and therefore do not fit the definition of being solely inorganic compounds.

Therefore, ceramics distinctly align with the description provided in the question, making them the correct answer.