Bone Strength Flashcards
1
Q
What does mechanical stress do to bone strength?
A
Increases it
2
Q
How does mechanical strength increase bone strength?
A
By increasing deposition of mineral salts and production of collagen fibres
3
Q
How does removal of mechanical stress weaken bone?
A
Through demineralisation and collagen fibre reduction
4
Q
How does aging result in weakened bones?
A
- Reduced osteoblast activity, which causes demineralisation
- Decreased production of extracellular matrix proteins (mostly collagen fibres), which make bones more brittle and so more susceptible to fracture
5
Q
What happens to bones when mechanical stresses are absent?
A
Bones weaken
6
Q
What happens to bones when mechanical stresses are excessive?
A
Bones thicken abnormally
