Questions and Answers
What are the two ways in which aging affects bone connective tissue?
The two ways are: 1) Decreased tensile strength of bone due to reduced protein synthesis by osteoblasts, and 2) Bone demineralization, leading to loss of calcium and other minerals.
What is the condition characterized by a reduction in bone mass sufficient to compromise normal function?
Osteoporosis
At what age does osteoblast activity decline, leading to bone mass reduction?
35-40 years of age
Which bones are most affected by bone mass reduction in older individuals?
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Why do women lose more skeletal mass than men every decade?
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What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
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What is the name of the condition characterized by a poverty of bone mass?
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Why are Caucasian women more prone to osteoporosis?
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What are the three reasons why postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis?
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Why do cancer treatments increase the risk of developing osteoporosis?
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How do astronauts experience an increased risk of developing osteoporosis?
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What is the primary goal of osteoporosis treatment, and how can it be achieved?
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What is the role of calcium supplements with vitamin D in maintaining bone health?
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How do bisphosphonates work to slow the progression of osteoporosis?
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What hormone deficiencies contribute to the reduction in bone mass with age?
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What is the significance of a DEXA scan in determining bone density?
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Study Notes
Effects of Aging on Bone Structure
- Aging affects bone connective tissue in two ways: decreased tensile strength due to reduced protein synthesis by osteoblasts, and demineralization (loss of calcium and other minerals) leading to brittle and susceptible bones.
- Bones of the skeleton become thinner and weaker, resulting in osteopenia (insufficient ossification), a condition that affects all people to some extent.
- This reduction in bone mass may begin as early as 35-40 years of age, when osteoblast activity declines, while osteoclast activity continues at previous levels.
Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduction in bone mass sufficient to compromise normal function.
- It leads to weakened bones prone to fracture, with the most common fracture sites being the wrist, hip, and vertebral column.
- Risk factors for osteoporosis include advanced age, especially in Caucasian women, family history, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and postmenopausal estrogen deficiency.
- Astronauts are also at greater risk due to the lack of gravity in space reducing mechanical stress on bones.
Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis
- Young adults should maintain good nutrition and physical activity to ensure adequate bone density.
- Weight-bearing activities such as weight training, running, and walking have the greatest impact on preserving bone density.
- Calcium supplements with vitamin D help maintain bone health, but do not stimulate new bone growth.
- Medical treatments involve slowing the rate of bone loss and attempting to stimulate new bone growth, with bisphosphonates being prescribed to slow the progression of osteoporosis.
Factors Contributing to Osteoporosis
- Decreased hormone levels, including growth hormone, estrogen, and testosterone, contribute to reduction in bone mass with age.
- Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis due to lower initial bone mass, earlier and faster bone loss, and postmenopausal estrogen deficiency.
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Description
Learn how aging affects bone connective tissue, including the decrease in tensile strength and demineralization. Understand how this leads to brittle bones susceptible to fracture.
